leisupe B®ups. 



ellis h. roberts & co. 
Printers, 



Book Binders, 

UTICA, N. Y. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESsTl 

TSTP^' 

Shelf.... 



UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. 




A^ 



^yrLMyU^ 



My Leisure Hours. 



A. COLIjECTION" Oin FOEl^S. 



y. 



SAMUEL f/eMERY, 

Class of 'S8, Hamilton College. 



„ JJiN D ;. 

>,. / 2 7 ><y. 



CLINTON : 
S. F. EMERY. 



T6 lUI 
E4 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1888, by 

Samuel Foster Emery, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



TO MY CLASSMATES, 



WHOSE COMPANIONSHIP I HAVE ENJOYED THROUGH 



FOUR TEARS OF COLLEGE LIFE, 



THIS VOLUME 



IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 



PREFACE. 



At the solicitation of many of my friends and classmates, I have 
undertaken the publication of this collection of poems, carefully 
selected from the entire number written by me during my college 
course. While most of them were intended only for my own 
pleasure and improvement, and many of them are a simple expression 
of the thoughts and feelings of my own life, I have tried to express 
only the pure and good and beautiful, rejecting all that is low and 
evil and coarse, as unworthy both of my better nature and of that 
form of language which I sought to use. If some of them have a 
strain of sadness, it is because they would be untrue to life without 
this. 

In offering to the public these poems, which are truly the result of 
"My Leisure Hours," I hope that some, at least, may find in them 
the words of a sympathizing friend, helping to lead them to thoughts 
of the good, the beautiful and the true. 

I take pleasure in acknowledging my indebtedness to many of my 
friends for valuable suggestions and much assistance in reading 
proof and in various other ways. 



s. F. E. 



Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., 
3Iay 15, 1S88. 



CONTENTS. 

f 



PAGE. 

Poetry 9 

Music 11 

Beauty 12 

Home 14 

Summer and Winter 15 

In the Dell 17 

Winter 19 

The Willow 22 

The Oak 41 

The Broken Vow 77 

When Fancy Led IIQ 

To A Friend Ill 

Why Complain? 113 

A Picture of the Past 114 

Despair 116 

Hope's Answer to Despair 117 

The Sunlight 118 

Sympathy 119 

What is Existence 120 

Time's Stream 121 

True Pleasure 122 



CONTENTS, 



The Search for Knowledge 128 

Correspondence 124 

In the Forest 125 

Sleep 127 

Where Fancy Led 128 

We are Hurrying On 130' 

Heaven 131 

Love 133: 

A Question 134 

The Field 136 

My Vow 137 

Turning from Self to Jesus 141 

A Prayer 143 

Shelter 144 

Communion 145 

Trust 146 

The Only Way 147 

Service 148 

The Valley 149 

A Little Grave 153 

'88 155 



My Leisure Hours, 



POETRY. 

Not all true poetry is found 

In sweet or smoothly flowing sound. 

We see it smiling in the face 

Of every bluebell in the vase. 

It shines from evxry ray of light, 
Filling the buds with beauty bright, 
Giving to them that dainty hue 
So often called "my own true blue." 

We hear it purling in the brook, 
Beside which in some quiet nook, 
We love to sit on summer days, 
And watch the cattle as they graze. 

We see it twinkle in the eye 
Of every school-boy passing by. 
For in his life a poem lies. 
Read only from the flashing eyes. 



10 31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



The little pebbles on the beach, 
Tossed where the waves can scarcely reach, 
Bear in their faces polished bright. 
Poetic lines which none could write. 

Behold it in the snnset sky, 
Brightly adorned with gorgeous dye; 
Or where the Sun God sinks to rest 
Upon the water's peaceful breast. 

It throbs in every beating heart 
Pierced by the point of Cupid's dart ; 
It sobs in every mourner's cry, 
And glistens in the tear-stained ej^e. 

No man so mean, no life so low, 
But feels sometimes the gentle flow 
Of poetry in thought or deed. 
And knows it tills an inward need. 

These deeper, richer thoughts of life, 
Calms in the storm of earthly strife. 
Find true expression in the glow 
Of words which move with metric flow. 



MUSIC. n 



MUSIC. 

There is music in the raindrop 

As it patters on the pane, 
When the heart in merlitation 

Sympathizes with its strain. 
When the mind is gently musing 

O'er some pleasure that is past, 
And again is living over 

What the memory holds fast. 

There is music in the zephyrs 

As they whisper to tlie pine, 
Telling secrets of the luUtop 

Where the graceful southern vine, 
Clinging to the arching branches 

Of some youthful forest tree, 
Shows its fairy flowers or clusters 

'Mid the branches waving free. 

There is music in the brooklet 
As it dances through the dale. 

Laughing at the rocks which meet it^ 
Smiling 'neath the fiercest gale, 

Winking at the modest willow. 
Which is shyly bending low 



12 MY LEISUBE HOURS. 



Just to kiss the sparkling waters, 
As they gayly onward go. 

There is music in the meadow 

At the dawning of the morn, 
When the dew is on the grasses, 

When the golden day is born, 
When the larks in joyous chorus 

Chant their grateful praise aloud, 
And the merry hymn is wafted 

From the songsters to the cloud. 

There is music for the lover, 

Sweeter far than all the rest. 
In the voice of her he worships 

Though it strike into his breast 
Darts, which shall not cease to rankle 

Till the body pass away. 
And the soul is free to wander 

Tiirough the realms of endless day. 



BEAUTY. 



There is beauty in the springtime, 
When the earth is robed in o^reen. 

When the gentle, loving zej^hyrs 
Kiss the violets serene. 



BE A UTY. 13 



There is beauty in the harvest, 
When the heads of ripened grain 

Bend beneath the western breezes, 
As they sweep across the plain. 

There is beauty in the winter, 

When the trees are clothed in white. 

When each twig is set with crystals 
Glistening with colors bright. 

There is beauty in the rain-drop, 

As it trembles on the leaf; 
Beauty in the smiles of pleasure; 

Beauty in the tears of grief. 

There is beauty for the lover 
In the shy but wistful glance, 

Flashing forth in true aifection, 
Striking deep its polished lance. 

There is beauty, if you seek it, 
Wheresoe'er you chance to be, 

In the study or the parlor. 
By the river or the sea. 



U 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



HOME. 

I'm lonely to-night, for I think of the home 
From which in my fancy I once loved to roam; 
The home where my mother so pure and so fair 
Watched over her children with tenderest care. 

I look from the window ; the trees are as green 
As any which ever at home I have seen ; 
The hills are all molded in beauty and grace, 
And nature is showing her pleasantest face. 

The lights in the village come out one by one 
When shadows chase after the beams of the sun ; 
But no other light to my heart is the same 
As that which of old from our own window came. 

How often at night, as I came o'er the hill, 

The heart in my bosom has almost stood still, 

Till I caught through the tree-tops a glimpse of the light 

Which shone from the window to gladden my sight. 

The tear steals in silence its way o'er my cheek. 

And thoughts come unnumbered, which no words can 

speak, 
When I think of my home as a thing of the past, 
And long for a home which forever shall last. 



SUM3IER AND WINTER. 15 



SUMMER AND WINTER. 

All the birds were sweetly singing, 
With their notes the woods were ringing, 
And the plants to life were springing ; 
For the season was advancing, 
And the sunbeams, gayly glancing. 
Said that summer was at hand. 

'Mid the bright enchanting flowers, 
Where the climbing rose embowers. 
And its petals gently showers, 
Sat a maiden sweetly dreaming; 
To her mind, the future seeming 
Like a distant fairy-land. 

All her being seemed in keeping 
With the roses at her peeping, 
With the buds which still were sleeping, 
Undisturbed by any creature, 
Unimpaired in any feature. 
Ready for the gleaner's hand. 

But she saw a passing stranger, 
Not a rough and rugged granger. 
Not an upstart from a manger. 
But a man of noble bearino- 



16 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



With an eye that told of daring, 
And he seemed a beino^ strand. 

Oft the roses saw their meeting; 
Oft the robins heard their greeting ; 
Heard their lips in joy repealing 
Words of love, so fraught with pleasure, 
That each accent seemed a treasure; 
Yet the winter was at hand. 

To his city life returning, 
Though at first new objects spurning, 
Love was still within him burning. 
Soon to others, smiles were granted, 
Soon new hopes the old supplanted, 
Like the shifting grains of sand. 

All the flowers had lost their gladness; 
Chilling winds had brought them sadness; 
Winter storms had dashed in madness 
O'er her life so pure and tender. 
O'er her form so tair and slender. 
Was she wrecked upon the strand ? 

She could not, her love forgetting. 
Banish sorrow, cease regretting, 
But she did refrain from fretting. 
In her heart she buried sorrow, 
Watched a day, but on the morrow. 
Turned to join life's earnest band. 



I2i THE DELL. IT 



m THE DELL. 

Down in a mossy dell 
Where merry shadows dwell, 
And dashing waters play, 
Sat a girl with langhing eyes 
Which were filled with mild snrprise 
As she saw amid the spray 
Many fairies dressed in gray. 

" Tell, fairies, tell to me, 
What did the ages see, 
Here where the shadows fall, 
Long ago, before I came ? 
Did the hunter seek his game 
'Neath the overhanging w'all 
Where the hollow echoes call?" 

Then spoke the fairy queen, 
" This have the ages seen 

Here where the waters play; 
Yonder on the mossy bank, 
Wliere the brakes are thick and. rank. 
Sat a maid one pleasant day, 
But her thoughts were far away." 

" Mused she upon the sky 

Bright with its rosy dye ? " 
" No, on the distant trail, 



18 31 Y LEISURE BOURS. 



And the brave who witli his bow, 
'Neath the bushes bendhig low, 
Tracked the wild deer through the swale, 
O'er the mountain, hill and dale. 

" Then some one coming near 

Sat down beside her here. 

Said she should follow him 
Through the forest to the home 
Reared beneath the arching dome 
Of the larches tall and grim, 
Growing by the water's rim. 

*' Both rose without a word 
Though love their bosoms stirred, 
Yet it was never told. 

Sweet the robm's evening song. 

As the lovers passed along, 

Timid one, the other bold, 

Winding^ througjh the forest old." 



WIXTER, 19 



WINTER. 

Merrily, nienily fallcth the snow, 
Coming from heaven to mortals below, 
Down on the earth with its sorrow and woe; 

Here to be mthlessly trampled beneath 
Feet that are covered with filth from the street; 
Some that are clumsy and some that are neat; 
Some that are dirty and some that are sweet; 
Covering deep, in the folds of its sheet, 

Village and city and mountain and heath, 
Tenement houses all built in a row, 
Mansions and churches erected for show, 
Merrily, merrily falleth the snow. 

Lazily, hizily coming to meet 

Maidens and youths, that are waiting to greet 

Winter, as coming with pleasures replete; 

Calling and dancing and riding about, 
Sliding and skating, the jolliest spree, 
Pleasure for taking and merriment free; 
Nothino' like winter the children ao-ree; 
Nothing like winter, like winter for me ! 

Up with a cap as a signal to shout ; 
Winter is close upon summer's retreat; 
Winter is monarch and summer is beat; 
Up with his banner, his praises repeat. 



f^O MY LEISURE HOURS. 

Laughingly, heavily falling with glee, 
Loading the branches of shrub and of tree, 
Beauty of nature so wondrous to see, 

Crystallized whiteness o'er forest and field, 
Flooding the eye with the glory of light, 
Rich in profusion, unceasingly bright, 
Tempteth the fancy to venture a flight 
Over the hills, to the left or the right. 

Up to the fountains, which purity yield, 
Drawing supplies from the mountain or lea. 
Dashing the product on land or on sea, 
Laughingly, heavily falling with glee. 

Steadily, rapidly clouding the sight, 
Filling the road with its barriers white, 
Making the traveler shiver with fright, 

Falleth the snow on a wintery morn, 
Forcing the children to quietly stay 
In from the pleasure of frolic and play. 
Gloomily wearing the winter away. 
Watching the clouds of a threatening gray, 

Beating the little drum, blowing the horn, 
Plaguing the dog till he gives them a bite, 
Wishing the snow, so unpleasant and trite, 
Steadily, rapidly melting from sight. 

Drearily, drearily soundeth the lay 
Chanted in March through the night and the day, 
Though in the autumn 't was pleasing and gay. 
Weary our eyes of the sparkle and flash; 



WINTEB. 21 



Weary of glistening, crystalline glare, 
Sated with brightness and whiteness so fair; 
Longing again for the kisses of air 
Sweet with the perfume of apple and pear, 

Softened by shade from the maple or ash, 
Whispering secrets — the treacherous fay. 
Oh, for the smell of the meadow and hay ! 
Drearily, drearily soundeth the lay. 



Wearily, haltingly, back to its lair. 
Back to the region of walrus and bear. 
There to await till again it shall dare, 

Forth on the summer, to spring from its den- 
Beating retreat from the mountain and plain. 
Trying to hold them, but trying in vain. 
Going defiantly northward again, 
Yielding unwillingly meadow and main, 

Back for the use and advantage of men — 
Groeth the winter with sorrow and care; 
Going with weeping, deieat for its share. 
Wearily, haltingly, back to its lair. 



3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



THE WILLOW. 

As the willow proud and stately, 
Showing forth its grace and beauty, 
Pleases all who look upon it, 
But is never souo^ht for merit. 
So the man who gayly, lightly 
Yields to friends as soon as duty, 
Pleases them, but in the pleasing 
Shows his weakness by thus yielding. 



TRIED AND FOUND WANTING. 

In former times, I need not say just when. 
There lived a man, I will not tell you where, 
A strong and healthy farmer was he then; 
No labor was too hard for him to bear. 

His little farm was by no mortgage bound; 
His wife was happy in their humble home. 
Well pleased to help him till the fertile ground. 
His boys were not as yet inclined to roam. 

Each night they gathered round the cheerful fire, 
And as they mused, their future seemed as bright 
As the wild sparks chasing each other higher, 
And quickly disappearing from their sight. 



THE WILLOW. S3 



Just such a borne had he as may be found 
Scattered broadcast throughout our glorious land, 
Where joy and heart-felt pleasures do abound 
More than in mansion or in palace grand. 

One day (although T do not like the style) 
A neighbor calls desiring the good man 
To speak with him in private for a while. 
His business is to borrow if he can. 

Not of the farmer, he has nought to lend, 

But of some other in the farmer's name. 

He means to pay, and asks it as a friend. 

You know how beggars always press their claim. 

The farmer hestitates; he does not like the plan. 
He goes into the house to see his wife. 
She warns, begs and entreats the best she can, 
*' Sign not, though for the best friend of your life." 

He takes his hut, and goes forth to the town, 
Plis friend meanwhile persuading on the way, 
"Do you think me some worthless, slippery clown? 
Fear not, I'm good, I'll pay when comes the day." 

"I know that well, T doubt not you would pay: 
I hesitate because through all my life 
I've had a rule never to sign, and may 
Not break it now, and then, you know, my wife." 



3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



" What does she know about such matters, now ? 
Women are always prompt to show their fears. 
They never reason why or when or how. 
You are too kind, she rules you with her tears. 



" When time has straightened out her tangled thought 
No doubt she will repent of what she said, 
And think that you have done just as you ought ; 
A day or two will conquer all her dread. 

"Meanwhile I cannot wait to cure her fright; 
You know how I am fixed, come be a man. 
Straighten your back for once and do the right; 
Be kind and help a friend now while you can." 

His genial nature, sympathizing heart, 
Cannot refuse. He is too kind indeed, 
But not to her who of himself a part, 
Shares with him every blessing, every need. 

As the willow bending, swaying, lightly 
Nodding to the brooklet, mildly dipping 
In the waters, dallying, is slightly 
Stronger than the water from its dripping; 

As the reed so proudly standing upright 
While the wind is sleeping, or the shower 
Oently dropping, but beneath the first light 
Zephyr swaying, shows its lack of power; 



THE WILLOW. 55 



So he 'iieatli bis fiieiid's ]iersnasion yielded, 
Signed the fatal contract, signed with gladness, 
Fearing nothing, as the pen he wielded. 
For the fnture's crushing weight of sadness. 

The wisdom of the sayino- somewhat old. 
Be not thou surety for tliy truest friend, 
Hath time revealed to him. His homestead sold, 
His hopes for life seem almost at an end. 

But even yet a little hope remains; 

A cottage and a garden, still his own. 

Saved from the wreck of all his hard-earned gains, 

Has fortune left to him, and this alone. 

A pleasant home is this, and happy might 
He be, spending the waning years of life. 
Working each day and coming home at night, 
Supporting thus with case himself and wile. 

11. 

THE WAR. 

O treason I what deed however bad 

Wouhl make ihee blush? 
What suppliant lonely and sad 

Would St thou not crush ? 
What burning sin or passion mad 

Didst thou e'er hush? 



26 JIY LEISrUE HOURS. 



What that is base or low and shrinks from sight 
But flourishes and prospers by thy might ? 
What that is good and kind and loves the light 
But withers and decays in thy dark night ? 

The spring, the joyous spring is here at last, 
The birds sing, and gay flowers come to light, 
And beauty rare of every form and cast 
Graces each hill and dale with colors bright. 

The sun now scatters his life-giving rays, 
The farmer turns the shining furrows up, 
And sows his oats, or plants the yellow maize, 
Scarce sparing time from work to dine or sup. 

But lo! The clouds arise. Black, gloomy peaks 
Mount swiftly to the sky. The thunder's roar 
And lightning's flash bring pallor to the cheeks 
Of man and maid. Now fasten tight the door. 

The great drops fall, first here and there, then thick 
And fast, a very torrent. Now 'tis still, 
And then a sudden crash shakes every stick 
And timber in the house, from roof to sill. 

The storm is gone. The warm sun shines again, 
The birds sing gayer for their morning bath. 
The flowers are brighter for the early rain ; 
Peace rules, now that the storm has spent its wrath. 



THE WILLOW. 27 



So ill one early spring thick clouds arose 
Threatening destruction to the land to send. 
Deep peals of thunder and the noise of blows 
Aroused the sleeping land from end to end. 

And at the North men were not slow to show 
The love which each one had for native land. 
With solemn thoughts they marched to meet the foe. 
Majestic was their tread, their motive grand. 

iSTot every heart that held its country dear, 
Could spill its blood to cover up the stain 
Dark treason made, but many, though with fear, 
Sent those they loved, and hoped when hope was vain. 

Not every man could wildly rush to arms, 
But some must do that which was harder still. 
Stay in the workshops or upon the farms, 
Watch quietly, and wait through good or ill. 

All through the North the stars each night looked down, 
And saw excited, restless groups of men 
On corners in the village or the town, 
Or in the stores or in the drinking den. 

In such a group one night we tind our friend 
Waiting like all the rest to hear the news, 
For his brave boys have gone to help defend 
The land from rebels, who all rights abuse. 



31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



Standing upon a corner of the street, 
He hears it said, they have the latest news 
At the hotel. He goes and takes his seat, 
And while he hears the list begins to muse. 

"What if my boys should be among the dead? 
'Twould kill their mother for she loves them so. 
The list is done, and shaking off his dread, 
Seeing all's well, he goes to let her know. 



5) 



III. 



YIELDIXG AGAIN. 



The helpless craft, the vacant boat. 
At mercy of the waves may float, 
But let the pilot take command 
He'll guide it safely to the land. 

But now a prowling wolf comes to his door. 
It skulks among the bushes, as in dread. 
Its hollow eyes are ever craving more. 
Scarcely a leaf rustles beneath its tread. 

Its eyes glare with increasing fire each day. 

Its form grows thin. It dreads the light no more. 

It stalks forth boldly crouching in the way, 

A ghost, a skeleton, before his door. 



THE M^ILLOW. 



Night after night he stands among the throng. 
Often a friend asks him to take a drink. 
At last he yields, (although he knows the wrong), 
To please his friend. He fears what he might think. 

At first (not to seem odd) he took a glass. 
Then more. It raised his spirits, made him gay, 
Helped to forget his trouble, and to pass 
A social evening or a rainy day. 

The night is still; with dizzy aching brain, 
He takes his homeward way. He leaves the lights, 
Descends a hill, and walks across the plain. 
Trees reel and dance; he never saw such sights. 

He climbs another hill. The silver moon 
Shedding soft light shows him the lonely way. 
He takes the shorter cut, trusting that soon 
He will arrive at home; perhaps he may. 

A winding footpath this and through woodlands. 
He often used it, but to-night each tree 
And shrub seems changed, and for a while he stands,. 
Trying some object which he knows, to see. 

Failing of this he thinks that he will rest. 
And sitting down beside a leaning ash, 
Watches the moon, which there on high is dressed 
In fleecy white and blue with yellow sash, 



W 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



And bright gems flashing forth rare beauty lend. 
He sees, but knows not what; things whirl around; 
His sense grows dull; the earth and sky now blend 
In one strange mass; he hears no farther sound. 

The shadows cast their mystic beauty round. 
The night-bird calls, "hu-hu" from distant pine. 
The soft air stirs no leaf, ^o sin is found, 
No shame these shadows hide, oh man but thine. 

The night goes on, and o'er the eastern hill 
The soft light of the coming morn 
Steals through the air each living form to fill 
With fresh delight. Thus is a new day born. 

The man awakes and sees the blight blue sky 
And graceful forms of branches overhead. 
He wonders where he is, and with a sigh 
Rises with difficulty from his bed. 

He looks about, and his bewildered brain 
Begins to clear. He knows the place at last; 
It is the wood close by a field of grain. 
His own home will be reached when that is passed. 

Slowly he starts upon his lonesome way. 
The partridge frightened, buzzes from his path. 
The bluebird sings his lay to coming day. 
Squirrels from hemlocks chatter as in wrath. 



THE WIIJAnV. 31 



As tlic first flush ( f morning breaks o'er lea 
AikI hill, stepping forth from tangled woodland 
To wlierc the view unbroken is and free, 
Lo what mysterious sight is uow at hand. 

Through the siill night and cool, from eartli and streams, 
Vapor rising, has settled in the vale. 
Quiet as resting water is, it seems. 
Smooth as a plain it fills the pleasant dale. 

It seems like some great lake encircled round 
With shores of green, which in the distance far, 
Fades into blue, and nearer may be found 
Brifjht islets or a solitary bar. 

And as he looks upon its peaceful breast, 
A calm steals gently o'er his troubled soul. 
He thmks, if fog so quietly can rest, 
He may yet bring himself within control. 

But while he looks a slight wind from the south 
Comes through the vale, and breaks the thick mist cloud 
Into a hundred forms, and sends them north 
And east and west, a wild fantastic crowd. 

Chasing each other here and tliere, as though 
By some mad spirit driv'n, they rise and fall, 
In still increasing strife, now high, now low, 
Until from sight they vanish one and all. 



32 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

If thus by one light breath the clouds, that seemed 
Impenetrable to his feeble sight, 
Were broken and dispersed, and if he dreamed 
He could his own cloud break, was not he right? 

'Twas with this firm resolve he homeward walked. 
The smoke already curling from the trees 
Told him his wife w^as up, and as she talked 
Unto herself, he fell down at her knees, 

In accents broken freely telling her 
All he had seen, resolved and thought and done, 
And that till she forgave he would not stir. 
She should be to his future life the sun. 

Freely then did she forgive him, and their tears 
Together mingled, as she kneeling down 
Prayed God to help, and take away their fears, 
And give him strength, and keep him from the town. 

IV. 

THE BEER-SHOP AND THE HOME. 

Woman is like the slender vine, 
That seeks support upon the pine, 
But when the tree begins to sway, 
Proves in itself a shield and stay, 
And at its fall is crushed below 
Its weight, as by a mortal foe, 



THE WILLOW. 33 



While from its wounded tendrils flows 
Its life-blood with severest throes, 
And as the vine first feels the frost, 
And as its life is quickest lost, 
So she is first to ieel the chill 
Of coming want or future ill. 

On the third day a neighbor riding by- 
Asked him if he would help to cut his corn. 
" Yes Sir, with pleasure," was the quick reply, 
*' When shall I come ? " He answered, '' in the morn." 

At early break of day he went his way 
Right glad that it was distant from the town, 
For even then he knew the first display 
Of liquor would be sure to drag him down. 

So days passed by, and winter came again, 
Farm work was buried in the falling snow; 
Not so the trees, and then from cutting grain 
He changed to cutting wood, far from his foe. 

One night he goes to farmer Barton's home. 
His job is done, and he would have his pay. 
The farmer, busy with his glass and comb, 
Is slicking up the first time for the day. 

The supper on the table smoking hot 

Demands attention and without delay. 

The farmer then exclaims upon the spot, 

In his good natured manner, " You must stay." 



SIf JIY LEISURE HOURS. 

His wife, with hospitable motives rife, 
Adds her kind word, saying, " 'Twill do him good 
To rest a wiiile and he will hav^e more life 
Through snow to wade." This he well understood. 

The supper o'er the farmer brings the pay, 
And tells his son to bring a glass of drink. 
" Just take this glass to stay you on the way. 
'Tis cider, it will do you good, I thiuk." 

"No, I don't care for any cider now, 
I guess I will do well enough vv^ithout, 
I do not care much for it, anyhow." 
O tempter! He who conquers thee is stout. 

"Are you afraid ! 'Tis harmless, some we made." 
Kind was the nature prompting him. He thought 
He had but hospitality displayed. 
He urged him, knowing not the harm he wrought. 

But in his neighbor's bosom flames anew 

The passion so long kept within control; 

His heart thumps hard against his side, and through 

His veins, the hot blood coursing fires his soul. 

He takes the glass without another word, 
And drains it to the dregs, wishing for more. 
The demon, that once ruled his life is stirred 
To fiercer action now than e'er before. 



THE WILLOW. 35- 



The stars move on one fourth their daily round ; 
Clouds rise and shut them out from mortal sioht; 
The watchman's measured tread is the sole sound; 
I'he street-light shows strange pictures through the- 
night. 

Within the beer-shop all is life and light; 
Pleasure and mirth run wild and all is gay; 
Nay, I might better say, is falsely bright, 
Is but a flimsy sham, which fades away. 

Within the cottage by the fireside sat 
The wife of one wdio figures in this scene, 
And in her lap half-sleeping lay the cat, 
And by her side stood Brum tall and lean. 

She waited for his coming, filled with fears ; 
Started at every creak of chair or floor; 
Too deep, her sorrow, for relief by tears; 
In vain, she listened at the shaking door. 

In her mind the wildest fancies harrow 
Up imaginations, frightful horrors 
Grim and ghostly, filling her with sorrow 
Worse than death with all his mighty terrors. 

Much she suflered while she waited, longing, 
Hoping, fearing, trembling, while the wild gust 
Smote the shutter, while her fears were thronging 
To wage successful war upon her trust. 



S6 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



Every weird imagination, every form 
Of death or danger, fills her mind with fears; 
Falling trees or glancing ax, cold or storm, 
Until she shudders at each sound she hears. 

Now restless grows the dog. He seeks the door 
With whines and scratches asking to go out. 
Then with his ears pricked up stands still before 
The window listening as though in doubt. 

V. 

DEATH. 

Oh Death how near thou art, 
Ot every life a part, 

That part the end ! 
Coming to high and low 
When falls thy mighty blow 

To thee all bend. 

Now he goes out into the depths of night, 
Leaving behind the scene of revelry; 
Above his head no stars, to cheer and light, 
Are shining forth as though in rivalry. 

O'er hill and plain no moonbeam shows his way, 
Shifting snow and driving sleet clog his path. 
Still he goes slowly on as best he may; 
The gale beats in his face with deadly wrath. 



THE WILLOW 



His house is almost reached, but 'tis in vain, 
Benumbed with cold, made stupid by the drink. 
He falls at length and cannot rise again. 
It seems like rest thus in the snow to sink. 

Wilder grows the storm, and fiercer, stronger, 
On the pane it smites, as she puts on hood 
And boots, hesitates to go no longer. 
Hears Bruin barking, half way to the wood. 

She pushes on, and finds him there at length. 
Above his master's prostrate, frozen form. 
To raise the man, she tries with all her strength; 
She chafes his hand?, yet cannot make them warm. 

Vain her effort; he is helpless, lying 
There amid the snow, she must go to some 
Neighbor, leave him there, though he were dying. 
And find a man who to his aid would come. 

When she returned, they found him lying there, 
And near him, Bruin sat, a faithful friend. 
Content, the fury of the storm to dare. 
If on his master he might thus attend. 

When they had borne him from his snowy bed 
Into a house, and there used every means 
To bring him back to life, he raised his head. 
And looking round, knew that he was at Dean's. 



-:S8 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



" Good Dean," said he, when he could speak again, 
■** Why did you take such pains to bring me back 
To life to be a curse to all, and pain 
Like this of death and hell doth nothing lack." 

" Dear friend, take courage, though you did once fall, 
You luay regain the path you should have led." 

" No, I have lost my courage, strength and all, 
I cannot stand, I will not try he said." 

But time and sickness brought him to his mind; 
Once more he vowed he'd never drink again ; 
Once more for weeks and months you could not find 
A kinder man or one who caused less pain. 

The wintry blasts had sought their northern tomb; 
The milder breath of spring had come and gone; 
The daffodils and lilacs lost their bloom ; 
The seedtime ripened to the harvest's dawn. 

The noisy mower and the loads of hay 
Told that the farmer's busy time was here. 
The vacant village streets told of small pay 
For dry goods stores, not for those selling beer. 

Their business lasts throughout the entire year. 
In cold, men say they drink to keep them warm, 
In summer's heat, to give them strength. No fear, 
No poverty can drive away the swarm. 



THE WILLOW. 39 



In harvest-fields the farmers have then- drink 
To give them strength and courage for their work. 
The temperance men take cider, for they think 
Not of the spirits bad which in it lurk. 

It was in such a field, indeed, our friend 

Was offered cider, drank it and went mad. 

At midnight as he walks the street, attend 

How strangely wild his cries, his thoughts how sad. 

*' O God they come ! the devil and his train. 
I'm lost ! The earth gapes open ; I shall sink. 
The monster ! Save me, save me, I am slain ! 
The fire of hell is hot, O give me drink ! " 

*« Ugh ! See those spiders, kill them, kill, Oh kill ! 
'TIS awful to be eaten up alive. 

Get off ! Oh strike them ! See they wont keep still ! 
Oh help ! They're everywhere, drive faster, drivel " 

The weak old frame cannot stand such a strain. 

In the soft dawn of day, they carry home 

All that remains of him, while gentle rain 

Tolls his knell, and mourning arches heav'n's dome. 

Let no one say, that he who lay so still. 

Was less than man. No eyes more kind e'er smiled 

On beauty mild or with love's light did fill. 

No heart more true by sin was e'er beguiled. 



ItO JIY LEISURE HOURS. 

In the quiet country church-yard, 
Where the willow ever stands guard, 
Buried they this man whose kind heart 
Led him on to act the fool's part. 

There, through fair and cloudy weather 
Birds of gloomy hue and feather 
Tell in tender notes their sorrow ; 
Flowers bloom to fade to-morrow. 

And the liawthorn showers its tear-drops, 
While the breeze steals through the tree-tops^ 
Telling you to guard your kind heart. 
If you would not play the fool's part. 



THE OAK. 4t 



THE OAK. 

The chestnut boughs sway softly to and fro ; 
The fitful shadows slowly come and go ; 
The marsh land bristles with its crests of pine, 
And purple fruitage clusters on the vine. 

The wild duck, startled, wings its airy way ; 
The squirrels chatter madly in their play. 
And seek the winter's store wdiile days are fair; 
Each for his future good thus taking care. 

An acorn falls from yonder oaken limb; 
A dormouse, thinking it was meant for him, 
Bears it away, and hides it in the earth, 
Where it may be of use in time of dearth. 

The seasons move in their accustomed w^ay; 
The mouse itself becomes at length a prey; 
The radiant spring time comes around again, 
And robes in beauty every hill and plain. 

The hidden springs of life are stronger far, 
Than shackles made of clay, or iron bar. 
The acorn bursts its shell and seeks the light 
And sends a tender shoot up into sight. 



31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



The wheel of time moves on, and as it turns, 
The slender oak tree rises o'er the ferns. 
The winter storms beat fiercely on the tree 
Bending its body and its branches free. 

Its fibre toughens by the constant strain. 
In summer, driven by the want of rain, 
Its roots strike deeper in the stubborn ground, 
Until the tree to earth is firmly bound. 

You want a stick, on which you can depend, 
Take not the willow, but the hill ascend; 
There stands the oak, in all its native strength, 
Unharmed by storms, you've found your stick at length. 



THE HOME. 

Our grandfathers were young, you know. 
Less than a hundred years ago, 
And forests covered all the state, 
Waiting: for man to seal their fate. 



But up the Mohawk valley moved 
A tide of emigrants, who proved 
The settlers of this lonely waste. 
The fruits they labored for we taste. 



THE OAK. JiS 



Among this westward moving tide 
A young man and bis blushing bride 
Went forth to seek in solitude 
A place to build a dwelling rude. 

They found it just beneath a hill 
Beside a pretty little rill, 
Which purled along its stony bed, 
And quickly to the river led. 

A spring of water pure and clear 
Flowed from a bank as though to cheer 
Those, wdio athirst miglit come that way 
Beneath the summer's scorching ray. 

A pleasant site was quickly found; 
The woodman's ax gave forth the sound 
Which told that man at length w^as here, 
And bade surrounding forests fear. 

The shining logs were soon in place; 
The roof and floor, though lacking grace, 
Pleased those who had beneath the dome 
Of heaven slept, for want of home. 

Through summer's heat and winter's cold 
And trials better left untold. 
They labored till the farm was cleared, 
By hopes of future comfort cheered. 



U J/r LEISUBE HOURS. 

Meanwhile a son, wee, pretty thing. 
Came, to their home, sunshine to bring. 
The years rolled on and others came, 
Beside the hearth, a place to claim. 

The old log house gave up its place 
To one which had a modern face; 
The boys themselves to men had grown, 
And left their home, but not alone. 

One only with his father stayed 
Beside the river, where he played 
Before his brothers had a share 
In mother's love or mother's care. 

But even he was not content. 
Till, with his father's kind consent, 
He brought one day a charming wife, 
To be the comfort of his life. 

He loved the wood, he loved the hill, 
He loved the river calm and still. 
But ere three summers came around 
The ties of love still tighter bound. 

For baby lisped his papa's name. 
When to his noon-day meal he came, 
And mamma praised the wonrlrous boy^ 
Her face all radiant with joy. 



THE OAK. 45 



No name was good enough for him. 
A friend proposed to call him Tim, 
But Tim they said would never do, 
And Jack was soon rejected too. 

The only name which seemed to fit. 
Was John, and so they christened it 
John Harding, for his mother's name 
Was Harding, he must have the same. 

No playmate came to share his home 
And with him through the wild wood roam, 
But in the house across the way 
There lived a giil, they called her May. 

And as they were just of an age, 
You might as well have tried to cage 
A flea, as try to keep apart 
These children, from the very start. 

O passing happy were the days, 
When these two children at their plays, 
Spent all their time from morning light 
Till parents called them home at night. 

And when the sun has sunk to rest 
Behind the hills far to the west, 
Then John kneels for his evening prayer 
Beside his mother calm and fair. 



JIY LEISURE HOURS. 



He clasps his hands, and lifts his eyes 
Serene and blue as summer skies, 
The mild lio^ht fallinor on his face. 
Gives to it unaccustomed grace. 

For just a moment all is still, 
Except the water at the mill. 
Then on the soft air of the night, 
His accents break so pure and bright. 

"Jesus hear a little child, 
Give to me thy spirit mild, 
Keep me through the dark of night, 
Let me see the morning light. 
And remember little May, 
Keep her till another day." 

Then the mother's love and lonojinor 

And what thoughts her heart were thronging 

Were revealed in her petition 

Telling of her high ambition. 

"Father grant thy richest blessing 
To this child who kneels addressing 

Prayer to Thee. 
Through this world of sin and sorrow 
May he always freely borrow 

Strength from Thee. 
May it ever be his pleasure 
To gain stores of heavenly treasure, 

Souls for Thee. 



THE OAK. 47 



Use him to thy greatest glory 
Where he best may tell the story, 

Christ, of Thee. 
And to Thee shall be the praises, 
Which each rescued sinner raises, 

All to Thee." 

Ah ! she little knew the meaning 
Of the words which she was gleaning, 
Little guessed the pain and sorrow 
Of some dark and distant morrow. 

II. 

CHILDHOOD. — FISHIXG. 

Did you ever fish for trout 
While the rain-drops fell about? 
Did you ever w^atch a hook 
In the water of the brook? 

Did you watch your chances still 
Till you felt a sudden thrill? 
When you saw the captive trout, 
Were you not inclined to shout ? 

You may search the raging seas,. 
Or the mill-pond, if you please. 
Or the river or the lake. 
Better fish you cannot take. 



31 Y LEISURE HOURS, 



It is always fine to fish, 
If you only get your wish; 
But for pleasure you will own, 
One should never fish alone. 

But the little boy of eight. 
While he tends the lively bait. 
Finds more pleasure, it is plain, 
Than he ever will again. 

The midday sun, in splendor clad, 
Shone down upon the little lad, 
As with his hook and line he took 
His way down to the quiet brook. 

But hardly had he fixed his bait. 
And told it how he mourned its fate, 
When little May, with smiling face. 
Made her appearance at the place. 

She brought along her fishing-line 
Made of a piece of cotton twine. 
A pin, bent to the proper crook. 
Served very well the place of hook. 

John fixed the worms, and for a space, 
Watched the light movements of the dace, 
And then they threw the tempting bait, 
Which lured the fishes to their fate. 



THE OAK. 49 



They fished until their bait was lost, 
Then on the ground their tackle tossed, 
And waded slowly down the rill 
To the great river deep and still. 

There, seated on the mossy bank 
Amid the brakes, which tall and rank 
Spread out their feathers to the air, 
They listen to the songsters fair. 

They watch the bubbles floating past 
Until some eddy holds them fast. 
Or, getting in the backward tide. 
Float up the stream along the side. 

They see the leafy green above, 
And sweetly dream of future love. 
They see the sunfish darting by, 
Then quickly springing for a fly. 

They rise and holding to a tree, 
Down in the stream their faces see. 
Framed by the overhanging fern, 
Then from the picture slowly turn. 

Then on a sandy bank they found 
Where fragrant wintergreens abound. 
The ruby berries peeping out 
Drew forth at once a gleeful shout. 



50 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



But when the day was almost spent, 
Back to their homes, they gaily went. 
Their path through tangled bushes led, 
Poplar and cherry arched o'erhead. 

Fit emblem of the path of life 
With vexing problems often rife, 
So tangled and so narrow, still 
It leads us safe through good or ill. 

Blithe as the birds that sang above. 

Sweet as the notes of turtle-dove. 

They sang as through the woods they pressed, 

Thinking at length of home and rest. 

" We are happy as the flower 
Smiling in the gentle shower, 
Laughing in the sunlight gaily, 
Oj^ening to meet it daily; 

" Or the bee when getting honey. 
Or the miser counting money. 
Or an eagle soaring lightly 
O'er the mountain tall and sightly; 

"Or the cattle when 'tis sunny. 
Or the humming-bird so funny, 
Or the war-horse lightly prancing 
When the army is advancing. 



TEE OAK. 51 



Thus another clay is ended, 
With its joy no sorrow blended. 
Thus the stream of life is flowing. 
To the ocean quickly going." 

But summer brings the fall at length; 
The ice forms with increasing strength; 
The sleds and skates are in demand, 
And crystals white o'er all the land. 

Now papa says his darling boy 
Has long enough remained his toy; 
He must do something more than play, 
Or through the tangled forest stray. 

The safest way to make a man, 
In fact, the only pleasing plan, 
Is to instruct him while a child 
In learning, as 'tis sometimes styled. 

So off to school, must Johnny start, 
Thouo:h he abhors it from his heart : 
But in the school-house by the mill, 
He is the same good Johnny still. 

And through the test of coming days, 
Is ever gentle at his plays. 
His love for mother and the rest 
Is ever safe within his breast. 



31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



III. 



THE DREAM. 



Dream on fair sleeper, 
May thy dream, 
Of sorrow deeper, 
Bring no gleam. 

Dream on, and waking 
Shape thy w^ay ; 
Through darkness breaking, 
Seek the day. 

And may each morrow 
Sweet and fair. 
Be free from sorrow^. 
Sin and care. 

When past life's dreaming. 
False or true, 
May brightness gleaming 
Fall on you. 

The days and years go on their way. 
Till John is sixteen to a day. 
His life has been without dispute. 
One of the very best repute. 



THE OAK. 63 



But who is perfect in the sight 
Of God, who dwells in purest light, 
And judges goodness by liis own. 
To whom the slightest sin is known. 

John knew a curse was on the race. 
And felt the need of saving grace. 
He yielded to the Saviour's call, 
And gave his heart, his life, his aU. 

One night, while lying on his bed, 
A dream filled all his soul with dread; 
But in his future life it proved 
A motive, which to action moved. 

When morning dawned with peaceful light 
He rose to greet its coming bright. 
"Mother," at last he slowly said, 
"I dreamed last night that I was dead." 

"Ah I but when it was all over, 
Death seemed easy, just to hover 
For a moment o'er the current 
Of a black and angry torrent, 

"Then to fall, but in the falling. 
Hear above me voices calling, 
Feel my burden growing lighter. 
See the sky above me brighter. 



54 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



"Then to feel within me growing, 
While through endless spaces going, 
Strength to give my course direction, 
Needing not a guide's protection. 

**0 the rich, enchanting pleasure 
Of thus roaming at your leisure 
Where in thought you often w^andered 
When upon the sky you pondered ; 

" On through systems without number 
With no mortal care to cumber. 
Free to search the page of learning. 
To each star and planet turning. 

"As the thought, from sun to planet, 
Or from Maine to Rocky's granite. 
Moves in time too short to measure. 
So my soul moved, though at leisure. 

"Then I came to that blest region 
Where the spirits of a legion 
Rest in everlasting glory. 
As is told in sacred story; 

"Saw the fields of living splendor. 
Which no human tongue can render, 
Though from every language gleaning 
Words of richest, briorhtest meanino-. 



THE OAK. 55 



"Saw the river of salvation, 
Flowing out to every nation, 
Bringing life to every creature, 
Giving beauty to each feature; 

" Saw the tree of life, which, growing 
By the river ever flowing. 
Bears the leaves for sinners' healing, 
Every wound forever sealing. 

" Saw the fair eternal city 
Where there is no need for pity ; 
For amid these heavenly wonders, 
Neither sin nor sickness plunders. 

"Saw the Christ the King of glory; 
Heard them tell his wondrous story, 
How from death to life he raises; 
Heard them chant a Saviour's praises; 

"Wondered at his grace and beauty, 
And the servants, who on duty, 
Stood before His throne eternal. 
Giving praise to the Supernal ; 

" Saw there people of each nation 
On the face of all creation ; 
Heard a million voices blended, 
As they on the Lord attended. 



56 MY LEISURE IIOVRS. 

"There I stood upon the border, 
Waiting for the Master's order 
To approach and hear my sentence, 
Thinking of my kte repentance. 

"Then the heart within me fluttered 
As I heard a shrill cry uttered, 
And I shivered as I listened, 
And to find the speaker hastened ; 

*' For that cry so full of sorrow. 
Could no added terror borrow ; 
And it filled with apprehension, 
Holding firmly my attention. 

*' First, upon the footstool gazing. 
Heard there human voices raising 
Songs, like incense rich ascending, 
Or with curses harshly blending. 

"Then, into the gloomy distance. 
For no space could give resistance 
To the spirit's piercing vision, 
Looking, saw with great precision. 

"There among the wretched, standing 
With a countenance commanding. 
Was a maiden lair and slender. 
Once her eyes were pure and tender; 



THE OAK. 57 



" Now with desperation glaring, 
On my face her look was bearing. 
In her eyes I saw derision, 
And her words came with precision: 

"Think not you will live forever, 
Fear and sorrow reach you never. 
You, who knew a Saviour's mercies, 
Might have saved a friend from curses. 

" On your head my blood remaineth. 
To your charge my death pertaineth, 
For had you but given w\arning, 
Night for me had brought the morning. 

"May the God you trust, beholding 
All your secret life unfolding. 
Bring upon your head of curses. 
More than soul could wish of mercies. 

"From that awful imprecation, 
Shrinking at the information. 
Turned I then with fear and trembling, 
Which I vainly tried dissembling ; 

"Turned to hear the words repeated 

While I hastily retreated, 
* On your head my blood remaineth, 

To your charge my death pertaineth.' 



58 31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



"Through my tlioughts the words kept ringing, 
And the angels seemed all singing, 

*0n your head her blood remaineth, 
To your charge her death pertaineth.' 

"Then I seemed to shrink and shiver, 
Like one drowning in the river, 
And at length, from sleep awaking. 
Found my head severely aching." 



IV. 



LAST WORDS. 

Last words are always sweeter far 
Than the soft touch of music's bar, 
They tell the feelings of the soul 
When stirred almost beyond control ; 
But only those wiio have a part 
In the deep feelings of the heart. 
Know" all the depths which lie below 
The surface of their quiet flow. 

"Dearest mother, I am going 
Far away where men are showing 
What they willingly endure. 
Others' freedom to secure." 



THE OAK. ^9 



"What, my John, you will not leave me. 
For you know how it would grieve me ; 
You are far too frail for fighting, 
Nor to you is it delighting." 

" Mother, it is my chief desire 
To do my Master's will entire; 
The country is in need of men 
To drive the rebels from their den. 

" You would not have me stay away, 
While clouds hang o'er oar country's day. 
While chains are on the negro's limb, 
And freedom's lamp is burning dim." 

"No, John, do what you think is right. 
And this remember in the fight 
Or on the march or in your bed, 
My blessing rests upon your head. 

*' But on your knees here bending low, 
Before I say that you may go, 
Promise, whatever may befall, 
You'll never taste strong drink at all." 

" Never, dear mother. I am glad 
To leave alone that which is bad, 
And you may trust me to maintain 
My promise at whatever pain." 



60 JIY LEI SUB E HOURS. 



"Yes, John," — her hand was on his head; 
Her fancy pictured him as dead ; 
She saw him stretched upon the ground 
With bleeding comrades all around. 

She saw him lonely in his tent, 
And almost feared he might repent 
The solemn promise he had made 
Before he drew the warrior's blade. 

But well she knew beneath tho>:e curls 
Lay what is better far than pearls, 
A will to know and do the right, 
And keep his honor ever bright; 

And well she knew, that sin and wine 
Are not as strong as strength divine, 
And if his strength should prove too small 
He'd draw from the great fount of all. 

"God bless my boy," at last she sai'^1, 
"And lead you safe through dangers dread, 
If it may be his gracious will, 
Back to your home beneath the hill." 

The days too fast are gliding by, 
For last days ever quickly fly. 
The time is now almost at hand. 
To-morrow night he joins the band. 



THE OAK. 61 



The fallinsf shades, the summer air, 
Grace his young form so tall and fair, 
While slowly by the brook he strays 
Where once he wandered in his plays. 

There, in a quiet little nook, 
Forgetful of her open book. 
Sat May, her face turned to the sky, 
A dreamy look within her eye. 

The gentle rustle of the grass, 
As quietly he tried to pass, 
Breaking her iascinating dream 
Brought to her eye a pleasing gleam. 

She rose to meet him, with a smile. 
And with him spend a little while 
In parting words, for well she knew 
His friendship ever would be true. 

They took the way beside the rill 
Down to the river bank, for still 
They liked to watch the quiet flow 
With bubbles bursting as they go. 

They came to where his little boat 
Tugged at its chain, as though to float 
Upon the stream was its delight 
Through sunny noon or gloomy night. 



3IY LEISUIiE HOURS. 



They take their seats, he at the oar, 
She in the stern, as oft before. 
And while the hours swiftly glide 
Chat, all forgetful of the tide. 

Now something grating on the boat 
Tells them they are no more afloat, 
But fast upon some stump or stone 
Out in the river all alone ; 

And turn whichever way they will. 
They only swing about it still. 
And when at last they get away, 
They feel they should no longer stay. 

Then he rows up the winding stream, — 
All seems like some mysterious dream ; 
He almost doubts if it is true, 
That he is dressed in soldier's blue. 

They hear the water's distant roar 
And gentle splash of dipping oar. 
They see the soft blue of the sky 
And bright stars in their pathway lie. 

The ripples widen to the bank 
Where grow the alders, tall and rank, 
Or, here and there, beneath the brush, 
Beside the water grows the rush. 



THE OAK. 6S 



The hazleiuit and leaning beach 
Here overhang within their reach. 
One tree with top half dead and dry, 
Stands pointing stiffly to the sky. 

Long shadows on the water cast 
Make them more gloomy toward the last, 
While now and then a fleecy cloud 
Covers the moon as with a shroud. 

But now they reach the landing-place, 
And to the house their pathway trace. 
The soft light of the crescent high 
Reveals th.em to no mortal eye. 

Day follows night, and in this day 
John's feet must take the untried way, 
Which leads him from his peaceful home 
Through southern lands to sadly roam. 

'Mid all the life of harvest's hum 
The time to part at length has come. 
The brazen sun looks down again 
With scorching glance upon the plain. 

But when at times we try to trace 
The deeper feelings of our race. 
We find the language far too weak 
The heart's emotions deep to speak. 



eii. MY LEISURE HOURS. 

We only tell the parting grasp, 
As hands together fondly clasp ; 
The silent quiver of the lid 
Above the eye, which would be hid ; 

The trembling of the tight-pressed lip 
At first sound of the driver's whip ; 
The words, which seem like idle sound 
Compared with feelings so profound. 

In vain, we seek with artist's skill 
To paint the current strong and still, 
Which flows beneath the surface where 
You'd think that all was calm and fair. 

So let us pass with John away 
Where rockets glare and bullets play 
And music mingles with their hum, 
The bugle blast and noise of drum. 

And let us leave this country place 
Where tall elms with their arching grace 
Invite to rest beneath the shade 
Or sport a wXyiXq upon the glade. 



THE OAK. 65 



V. 



Let the war-horse prance 
When tlie buggies call. 

Let his eager glance 
Give courage to all. 

Let the brave man's heart 
Be firm in his breast. 

Let him do his part 
And his name is blest. 

But at home he leaves, 
When he goes, a heart, 

Which faints as it grieves 
For its stronger part. 

And oft in the grave 
Does a frail form rest 

Ere the chilly wave 

Strikes the warrior's breast. 

In camp or on the tiresome march, 
Beneath the ash or lonesome larch, 
Temptation in its changing shape, 
The soldier scarcely can escape. 



66 MY LEISURE BO UBS. 



Thrown with companions rough and bad, 
Temptation meets the soldier lad 
So often, that he soon becomes 
As used to sin as noise of drams. 

John met temptation day by day. 
Within his tent or on the way, 
With faith, the Christian warrior's shield, 
And firm resolve no ground to yield. 

And often some pretended friend 
Would try his forward coarse to bend 
By urging him to drink or smoke, 
But he was firm as seasoned oak. 

And others came to know his worth. 
And praise the day that gave him birth ; 
For, in the camp or on the field ; 
Kind words and deeds must fruitage yield. 

Now the remembrance of tlie night 
When death seemed opened to his sight 
Urged him to speak his Master's name, 
And tell the Saviour's wondrous fame. 

And chances sought are always found. 
One scarcely needs to look around 
To see them staring in his face 
From every unexpected place. 



THE OAK. 67 



The battle with its murderous din, 
The camp-life with its ways of sin, 
Both furnish chances to repeat 
The secret of a safe retreat. 

He found it pleasant, on the way, 
To guide the feet once gone astray, 
And bring back to the Saviour's fold 
One who to sin his life had sold. 

He found it good to sit beside 
The youth whose life flowed with the tide, 
The crimson tide that drained his heart, 
And point him to the Saviours part. 

He found it sweet to give the cup, 
Which dying lips would wildly sup, 
And take the message for a friend, 
Which dying lips would gladly send. 

Nor did he lack in valiant deeds. 

For well he won the soldier's meeds. 

No braver faced the tiery rain. 

Which streaked the ground with crimson stain. 

But he who draws the bloody blade 
By it may fall upon the glade. 
For courage in the heat of strife 
Will not retain the ebbing life. 



68 JIT LEISURE HOURS. 

^or will the stern face scare away 
Death's messenger when bullets play. 
He meets the warrior face to face 
E'en at the goal of glory's race. 

He takes the life but not the fame, 
Nor is that buried with his frame; 
It lasts wiiile there is one to raise 
To heav'n in song the soldier's praise. 

Not every soldier's praise is sung 
By name, by any mortal tongue, 
But Freedom chants her morning lay 
To all who helped her on the way. 

John seemed to bear a charm of life, 
And faced unhurt the fiercest strife. 
Some said the angels came below 
To shield him from the deadly blow. 

But while he stands among the rest 
Where solid squares, like ocean's crest, 
Break and fall back, then rise again, 
We can but hear the sad refrain. 

We cannot see the joys that gleam 
From his mild eyes while ringlets streami 
In the soft breeze as fair to-day 
As when a child he kneeled to pray. 



THE OAK. 69 



We cannot watch him while he strays 
Where weak and dying on him gaze, 
Or tell liim secrets ere they sleep 
That sleep which would all secrets keep. 

Nor can we catch the look of love, 
Sweet as the snnshine from above. 
While all alone each week he reads 
Letters which praise his manly deeds. 

We cannot trace the way he led 
Through thicket, swamp or rocky bed. 
Where cedars grow, or lofty pine. 
And trailing vines about them twine. 

So let us now, no lonijjer try. 
Into his secret life to pry, 
But turn the page and read again 
Life's joyous close or sad refrain. 



VI. 



LAST SCENES. 

Within the hush of darkened room 
Where friends sit watching by the bed 
Death, stealing in amid the gloom, 
Fixes his grasp on heart and head. 



^^ Jir LEISURE HOURS. 



Upon the street or in the shop 
Where all is hurry, all is life, 
He comes the wheels of life to stop, 
And end for one this constant strife. 

On battle-field or in the camp 
He views the host and marks the name, 
Then in the woods or marshes damp 
Captures the prize for which he came. 

His message conies the same to all, 
Sought or unsought, unlooked for still, 
From toil and strife the welcome call 
Or the dark plunge in waters chill. 

The bloody years drag slowly past 
Until the war has reached its last. 
Each breeze, that fans the northern sky. 
Whispers the moans of those that die. 

The elms and maples catch the sigh 
From some one that is passing by, 
And breath it on the morning^ air 
Filling the atmosphere with care. 

Above the hom^es the battle-cloud 
Is darker than the sulphur shroud, 
Which hangs above the very spot 
Where rages battle thick and hoi. 



THE OAK. 71 



For three long years John's letters came 
Then stopped, though who might be to blame, 
No one could tell, for no one knew 
The fate of him who was so true. 

His mother used to watch the way 
Down which he might come home some day, 
And wonder what had been his fate. 
Often her lamp burned very late. 

Was he in prison now confined, 
And had his body slowly pined. 
Until she would not know his face 
Were he his homeward way to trace ? 

Then her wild fancy pictured him 
Among a crowd which, sad and grim, 
Lives in a yard like beasts confined, 
Starving the body and the mind. 

She saw him sick upon the ground 
With skeletons all standing round 
While curses on their Maker's name 
Or low jests from them often came; 

No friend to cheer, no hand to lave 
His brow when fevers wildly rave. 
No sweet voice with its gentle sound 
Brings comfort as the days go round; 



72 MY LEI SUB E HOURS. 

His only fare a crust of bread 
And water; better he were dead. 
No hope remains to give him strength; 
He only longs to rest at length. 

Now changing with her changing mood, 
Another chick from fancies brood 
Comes peeping up to tell its woe, 
As fitful shadows come and go. 

She sees the shell burst close to him. 
And rend his body limb irom limb. 
Again she sees her brave boy fall 
Among the sumacs by the wall. 

Her fancy pictures every leaf, 
As fancy can when urged by grief, 
Stained by the blood that slowly drips 
From Johnny's side or Johnny's lips. 

This doubting and this vague unrest, 
This constant strife within her breast 
Is worse to bear than news of death; 
It seems to hush her very breath. 

Nor does she suiFer thus alone; 
The wistful glance, the softened tone. 
Tells her that one across the way 
Pines for the Iriend of former day. 



THE OAK. 73 



May faded like the fading leaf. 
Her life like its was fair but brief. 
Too slender were her earthly ties 
To keep her spirit from the skies. 

They laid her form at last to rest. 
Her hands were folded on her breast. 
A pure white lily in her hair 
Seemed of her beauty emblem fair. 

A rose bush grows beside her grave; 
Each spring its blossoms gently wave, 
And shed their perfume on the air 
Above the sweet form resting there. 

One day a man came down the road, 
Beneath the sun that fiercely glowed, 
As if to burn the very earth 
Like tinder placed upon the hearth. 

His form was thin, his haggard face 
Of want and care bore every trace; 
He tottered as he reached the door. 
And sat down there upon the floor. 

Who was this stranger who thus came 
Within her door? She asked his name; 
He answered that he was the one 
Who fought beside her noble son. 



74 J/r LEISURE ROUES. 



"And can you tell me how he fell ? 
He must be dead I know full well, 
But I have never chanced to hear 
And so lived on in doubt and fear." 

"Yes, it is true that he his gone. 
We took the field that day at dawn, 
And fought until the midday sun 
Beheld the battle almost won. 

"Not ours the victory that day. 
The rebel army had their say, 
And as we had tought side by side 
We fell and lay till eventide. 

"His wound was mortal, and his head 
Lay on my breast. The stream of red 
Was bearing on his gentle life, 
To that great sea that's free from strife. 

"Not one complaint escaped his heart; 
He was not loath with life to part; 
He only said ' I'm going home — 
Tell mother please — no more to roam. 

"'Tell her and May, Til meet them there, 
Eternal pleasures with them share. 
Tell them the glory of that life 
Will well repay this earthly strife.' 



THE OAK. 



"Then looking up into my face, 

* Friend have you chosen God's free grace ? 
And shall I meet yon with the rest 
Among that throng forever blest ? ' 

" 'I choose liim now,' Avas my reply, 
A sudden light tilling his eye, 
Raising one hand to meet his friend, 
With sweetest smile he met his end. 

"The silver moon shone o'er the field 
Where many eyes by death were sealed 
When men, who wore the southern gray. 
With softened looks bore him away. 

*'They buried him beside the road 
Near to a little brook, which flowed 
With gentle music on its way 
O'er pebbles set in sand or clay. 

"I heard them, as they looked at him 
Even in deatli so fair and trim, 
Say, ' see the smile upon his face, 
He's reached the goal and won the race.' 

" No marble slab marks out the spot, 
No cedar hedge shuts in the lot, 
No short-cut grass, no little mound. 
Tells where his resting place is found ; 



MY LEISURE HOURS. 



'*But near the spot the live oak stands 
Encircled by the slender bands 
Of blooming vine with leafage deep 
Swaying above his quiet sleep. 

" The wild flower, the spicy plant, 
Perfume the air while falls aslant, 
The sunbeam on the hero's grave, 
And birds sin-r of his actions brave." 



THE BROKEN VOW. 77 



THE BROKEN VOW. 

The world turns round, and as it turns each day 
The sun looks on no fairer land than this; 
Yet in the valley, or beside the way, 
Where rivers roll, or waves imprint their kiss 
On jutting rocks, or on the sandy beach. 
Deeds which would make us blush for very shame, 
And hide our faces where no glance could reach, 
If we could see them, knowing whence they came, 
Deeds which still cry aloud to God above 
For vengeance on this proud and wicked race, 
Which renders hatred lor Almighty love, 
Glare boldly out, or hide in every place. 



TWO HOMES. 

Far from the rugged shores where ocean's waves 
Toss pebbles out upon the sandy beach, 
Within a valley where a river laves 
The sandstone rocks which lie within its reach, 

A trapper reared his cabin years ago, 
And brought his wife and child to share the home 
Where chestnut branches waving to and fro 
Shut in their sight and formed an arching dome. 



3ir LEISURE HOURS. 



One clay the trapper, resting 'neath the shade, 
Heard the sharp crack of rifle on the air. 
He started from the hillock, nor delayed, 
To find what strano^er mio^ht be huntinor there. 

Nor twig, nor leaf gave forth the slightest sound, 
Beneath that trained and safely muffled tread. 
Silence held sway through all the wood around. 
Man's presence only, made that silence dread. 

At last he looks forth sliyly o'er a bank. 
A tall young man with curly auburn hair, 
Beside the brook where brakes are thick and rank, 
Bathes perspiration from his temples fair. 

*' Well, friend, how goes the hunt?" the trapper said; 
"How many partridge have you shot to-day? 

How many brace of ducks have felt your lead? 

How many squirrels given up their play ?" 

The stranger then with smiling face displayed 
A bag well filled with many kinds of game, 
And out upon the bank its contents laid. 
Looking meanwhile with pleasure at the same. 



Yes, I have had good luck," the stranger said 
Fortune hath perched upon my gun to-day, 
Nor from the morning until now hath fled, 
But seemed to guide me in a favored way." 



THE BliOKEN VOV,'. 79 

"You must live near, or you would seek a place 
To pass the night, for now the slanting beam 
Tells us 'tis time our footsteps to retrace, 
And night is nearer than at first 'twould seem." 

"My home is near; father has bought a farm 
And built on it ; and soon I hope to reach 
It safe, and save my mother from alarm. 
For she is timid since we lett the beach, 

"And would be frightened should I not return 
From hunting at tlie closing hour of day. 
Before the dew has fallen on the fern, 
And she would think me lost upon the way." 

" Well, when you want a friend just call on me; 
I know this region well, there's not a stream 
Or rock, a muskrat path or hollow tree. 
But oft I mark it while you farmers dream." 

And so they part, one tracing up the brook, 
Now leaping mossy logs, now bending low 
To pass a leaning tree, and now a nook, 
In which the stream with deeper, smoother flow 

Draws near the bank, breaking upon his sight 
In beauty sucli as nature oft aifords. 
Holds captive youthful sense with strange delight 
And wonder at the treasure nature hoards. 



80 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



He reaches home, and at the open door 
His sister meets iiim with the welcome kiss. 
With mirth she strews tlie game upon the floor. 
She coos with pleasure over this and this. 

His mother gives her sweet approving smile; 
His father praises him, and all are glad 
That from bis roving tor lull many a mile 
They meet again at eve the hunter lad. 

The trapper hastes upon his homeward way, 
By paths which others could not hope to trace, 
To reach his fireside ere the shadows gray, 
Fold up their wings, and settle on the place. 

The whistle sharp from unseen distant quail, 
The woodcock's clatter and the cuckoo's call. 
To him are signs of storm that never fail. 
The truthful words of nature one and all. 

His home is reached. His wife, though glad he's come. 
Says sharply to him, " \Yell, you're rather late." 
The children meet him with a noisy hum. 
"Supper is ready, father, do not wait." 

One only greets him with a pleasant smile. 
She is his oldest, but his darling yet. 
He takes his seat, telling his luck meanwhile, 
And bidding baby not to cry or fret. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 81 



II. 

THE trapper's DAUGHTER. 

Time is busy, ever busy, culling flowers from our life; 
Though the clays are iraught with pleasure, time is urging 

on to strife. 
Summer skies may smile above us, skies without a single 

cloud, 
But the earth and all about us soon is wrapped in crystal 

shroud. 
Thus is pleasure ever fleeting, and its joys we scarcely know 
Ere the waves of sorrow meet us, and its billows o'er us flow. 

The trapper often meets the farmer's son — 
Ned, as they call him — in the woodland ways, 
And soon the boy has learned to like his fun. 
And for his stories has a word of praise. 

One day the rain o'ertakes their weary feet, 
And drives them to the trapper's cabin near. 
They soon within its shelter find retreat 
Where rain at least need cause them little fear. 

They laugh and talk while fleeting moments speed, 
The trapper telling stories new and old. 
Of wild adventure and courageous deed. 
On lake or river, or in mountain hold. 



8£ 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 

When rain has stopped, and night is coming fast, 
!Ned, rising, says 'tis time for him to go ; 
And so he leaves the trapper's home at last, 
And takes his way 'neath branches bending low, 

Thinking meanwhile not of the setting snn, 
Hurling its gilded shafts among the trees, 
And dropping them around him one by one ; 
Nor thinks he now of any thing he sees; 

But on the trapper's daughter is his mind, 
And thus he talks while going on his way. 
Leaving the object of his thoughts behind, 
Together with the closing hours of day. 

"Sweet as an angel; no, she is more fair; 
Those eyes would make the dullest fireside bright. 
When have I seen such waves of auburn hair? 
Her form is graceful, rounded out, yet slight. 

" Her lips are like a perfume-breathing rose. 
Yes, she is fair, too fair for such a place. 
The brightest bloom in deepest forest grows 
Where it may hide the beauty of its face 

" For one who seeks in solitude to find 
The rarest treasure in the fairest form. 
The brightest face, the richest, sweetest mind, 
The heart with true affection filled and warm. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 83 



" Fool am I, to be captured by a face ? 
Is worth in wealth, in wealth and there alone ? 
The gem is rare, where'er its hiding-place; 
Does not its luster far more than atone 

" For lowly birth? and is not all our wealth 
Wrought out from nature by the artist's skill ? 
Are riches always preferable to health? 
From a dry well can you the bucket fill? 

*' Her voice is pleasing to my longing ear; 
Her temper mild makes her a little shy; 
As shines the raindrop so would shine her tear. 
And brighter still would gleam her flashing eye 

^* When clouds and showers all had cleared away. 
But I must cease this speaking thoughts aloud, 
For home is near. I'll go another day. 
How can I banish all this turbid crowd?" 

The path along the little winding brook, 
And through the forest to the trapper's hut, 
Was plainer ere the frosty autumn took 
Possession of the forest flower and nut, 

Painting the leaves with a beauty rare, 
Dropping the nuts through the chilly air, 
Shaking them down from the limbs on high, 
Making the ground to rival the sky, 



31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



Filling the air with the notes of bird, 
Making the voice of the squirrel heard, 
Lulling the earth to its quiet sleep 
Under the folds of its blankets deep. 

The spring has come and fragrance fills the air; 
The trees are robed in all the shades of green ; 
The wood is bright with flowers everywhere, 
And trailing vines enrich the forest scene. 

The silver moonlight falling through the trees. 
Dancing about as branches slowly sway 
Beneath the impulse of the gentle breeze, 
Unites in mystic sport with shadows gray. 

Fit time, indeed, for lover's thoughts to rise. 
What wonder l^ed now tells her of his love, 
And she with loving confidence replies, 
While stars and moon are witnesses above. 

O fatal union of these loving hearts ! 

O happiness lit to go out in pain ! 

O actors playing well your several parts. 

You too, shall play ere long the sad refrain ! 

The morrow saw him try a dreaded task. 
While in the field he with his father stood. 
At length he ventured his consent to ask. 
" You cannot — and you would not if you could." 



THE BROKEN yO^Y. 85 



He pleaded love, but pleaded it in vain, 
His father still more firmly made reply, 
"Never, my son, speak thus to me again, 
Or I will oust you, by the powers on high. 

" You know she is below you, far below, 
How dare you calmly ask for my consent ? 
Such union would mean naught to you but woe, 
To live with her you'd never be content. 

"She and her children shall not eat my bread; 
I warn you fairly, and you'd best beware; 
Sooner I'd see all of my children dead. 
Than leave my money to a worthless heir." 

Ned vowed within that he w^ould have her yet, 
He would not yield, whate'er might be his fate. 
Could he be flilse ? Could he his love forget ? 
He w^ould not tell her now, at any rate. 

He w^ent to see her : found her just as fair. 
He was bewitched, and only loved her more. 
She seemed more sweet beneath the summer air 
Than she had ever seemed to him before. 

Beneath the shadows now he softly speaks 
The words of passion, rather than of truth, 
Nor knows she that the very thing he seeks 
Would blast affection even in its youth. 



86 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

Again he takes his homeward way alone; 
The trees in proud disdain seem looking down ; 
He speaks, but trembles at the ghostly tone. 
"Am I a beast, a false deceitful clown? 

"Have I deceived myself, as well as her? 
Cursed be the luck that brought me to their door. 
How could I love the daughter of that cur? 
Why did I not see things like this before? 

"Well, let it drop. I'll not go there again. 
I'll seek some one more suited to me now ; 
Better brief mourning than a life of pain; 
Better to break a promise than a vow." 

And so, perhaps, this young deceiver thought, 
But I suggi^st a way that's better yet. 
Think first with what the promise may be fraught, 
Nor speak a word whicli you would fain forget. 

He kept his promise, made unto himself, 
And sought no more the trapper's lowly hut. 
His hunting bag lay empty on the shelf; 
His little chamber door was always shut. 

For he had gone away to spend a time 
With friends, that he might heal his aching heart. 
For though his love had perished in its prime, 
His wounded feelings did not cease to smart. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 87 



III. 

THE FRUIT OF SIX. 

The fairest rose that blossoms in the morn 
At noon may lie all withered and forlorn. 
The brightest hope that warms a mother's breast 
May soonest change the dwelling of its rest, 
Or like the blossom trampled on the ground, 
It too in ruin early may be found. 

The chilling blast was sighing 'mid the trees. 
The leaves were scattered broadcast on the ground, 
The zephyrs, yielding to the sterner breeze, 
A milder clime had quickly sought and found. 

Beneath the bare limbs and the cloudless sky 
The trapper's daughter sadly walked alone. 
<* Deserted !" was her oft repeated cry. 
Despair was marked in every look and tone. 

"O Ned, come back ! I love you even now. 
The world is cold, and you are of the world, 
Else you would not thus break your solemn vow. 
One look, one whisper, ere my life is hurled 

"^Deep in the vortex whence it ne'er can rise! 
O let me know that you do not forget ! 
Let me once more look in your loving eyes. 
And I will die without the least regret ! 



8S 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 

"It cannot be. When you shall come again 
The stream shall flow above this broken heart, 
Which trusted you, but found its trust in vain, 
For you have pierced it with a fatal dart. 

" 1 love you still, and may you never know. 
That thus I die our common guilt to hide; 
And may you never feel such chilling woe. 
If you but truly mourn because I died. 

"The stream is cold, the current strong and swift. 
Where will it lay my body down to rest ? 
Perhaps, where sands will cover, it will drift ; 
Perhaps a rock will press this weary breast. 

"Yet sands and rocks will safely guard the form 
Trusted into their cold but true embrace; 
But man does not protect it from the storm 
Of ridicule, but crowns it with disgrace. 

"No one would love me now, so let me die, 
The world will be the better when I'm gone. 
Perhaps my father may be heard to sigh 
To-morrow when they miss me at the dawn. 

"Perhaps a tear may stain my mother's cheek; 
Yet they will think of me as simply dead, 
Not knowing all the woe from which I seek 
To snatch my wretched heart and weary head. 



THE BROKEN yO^Y. 89 

" Here is the rock from which I mean to spring ; 
The stream is dark, I dread its chilling wave; 
The world is darker, colder, and the sting 
Of blasting scorn more bitter than the grave. 

"Hush now, ray heart, why should you flutter so? 
Are you impatient like my spirit, too ? 
'Tis but to leave a world of bitter woe. 
And base injustice ; yet 'tis hard to do." 

Thus, hesitating, half afraid she stands. 
Looking into the silent, peaceful stream, 
Then glancing upward, stretches out her hands. 
Takes the last look with eyes that wildly gleam, 

And falling forward, seals her wretched fate. 
Her tresses flatter in the moou-lit air ; 
Her lovely face gives forth no sign of hate ; 
The stream receives her to its faithful care ; 

It cools the brow and stills the beating heart; 

It bathes the tear-stained cheeks with soothing touch; 

It smoothes the tresses vvilh consummate art ; 

No earthly woe can fix on her its clutch. 

Yet she was rash to throw away her life, 
For neither stream nor mountain, hill or dell. 
Can hide the sinner from pursuing strife; 
Nor yet could heaven, or the depths of hell. 



90 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 

Oh ! why should she be bound to suffer so 
While he who was superior in the sin, 
Is unrebuked, where'er he chance to go, 
Save by a warning whisper from within. 

But to return to N'ed who far away, 
Is taking pleasure with his city friends. 
Weeks grow to months, and he again is gay, 
For every day some new enjoyment lends. 

But 'mid these scenes of ever shifting light, 
A letter fills him with unusual care. 
His little sister v/ho has been so bright 
Is very sick and he must hasten there. 

He meets the doctor as lie nears the door, 
And stopping, asks him of his sister's health, 
"Tis hard to say just what you have in store, 
Yet she is happy in approaching wealth." 

Reaching the house he hastens to her room, 
And kneeling down beside her little bed. 
Then yielding to the all prevailing gloom. 
Bursts into tears, and hides his aching head. 

A little arm entwines about his neck, 
A loving voice whispers, " Ned, do not cry." 
His force of will is summoned, tears to cheeky 
And he at length can raise a tearless eye. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 9t 



" I'm glad you've come, I did so long for you, 
And then I feared you would not come in time. 
I know you love your sister. Is it true? 
Then you are glad I near a fairer clime." 

" Yes, I am glad for you, but we who stay, 
How can we do without your darling face ? 
How can we live when you are gone away? 
How can we look upon your vacant place?" 

"Don't think of that; — you too, will follow me, 
It won't be long ere we shall meet again. 
All happy there beside the crystal sea. 
]!^ed, promise me, I hope this not in vain." 

"Oh, sister, if I could I would indeed ; 
And I will try for your sake, sister dear; 
And well I know that this is what I need ; 
But I could do it better with you here." 

"Then do it now, why WiAl till I am gone; 
Jesus is pleading now, just let him in ; 
His presence in the heart is like the dawn ; 
The day is there where we are free from sin." 

" Well, let me think. I cannot tell you now. 
'Tis well for one to ponder in the- mind, 
Before he enteis in a solemn vow 
To leave the pleasures ol the world behind. 



MY LEISURE HOURS. 



" But you are weary. You must rest a while 
I'll talk with you of this another day. 
Your face is always sweetened by a smile, 
So let me sit, and watch it while I may." 



The lovely face was fairer yet in sleep. 
The breath grew lighter as the moments sped. 
They watched the sleeper 'mid the silence deep, 
And ere they knew, they watched above the dead. 

At last the mother, bending o'er her form. 
Listened to hear the faintest sound of breath, 
Then touched the brow with fever lately warm, 
And recognized the dreaded monster. Death. 

I need not picture, for you all have seen, 

The darkened room, the mother's tear-stained face, 

The disappointed father's downcast mien, 

The gentle steps of all who near the place. 

The time has come when they must put away 
All that remains of one they loved so much. 
The sky itself is clad in sober gray, 
As though to add the last funereal touch. 

Ned sees the coffin lowered in the ground, 

He hears the rattle of the falling sod. 

He shudders as he listens to the sound, 

Then turns to seek the path which once they trod 



THE BROKEN VOW. 93 



Together, in the sweet, prophetic spring, 
Seeking for flowers and the wintergreen. 
Making the woods with youthful laughter ring, 
And drinking beauty from the forest scene. 

How false the prophecies of spring had been. 
The fairest songster of them all had flown. 
The leaves o'erhead, already getting thin. 
But made him feel more sad and more alone. 

Yet had, indeed, those prophecies deceived? 
Had they been false, or had they been fulfilled? 
Had not the reaper harvests rich received? 
Had not the chestnut ripened ere 'twas chilled ? 

And had not virtue yielded fruits of love. 
Beneath the peaceful summer's gentle breath? 
And had not harvests been stored up above, 
And sin brought forth its lawful fruitage, death ? 

The trouble was, he had not read aright 
The promise which the springtime had displayed. 
For while he saw the letters bold and bright 
He did not note the finer, deeper shade. 

'Tis often so; we look at the outside 
And do not think what may be wrapped within. 
We w^atch the ship upon the restless tide, 
Forgetful of the shipyard's busy din. 



MY LEISURE HOURS. 



We are too shallow in our deepest thought, 
Too ready to decide, too quick to speak. 
We fail to find the things for which we sought, 
Because we have not patience long to seek. 

A few days later, in the early morn, 
Ned wandered sadly through the lonely wood 
Thinking the wretched thoughts of hitter scorn, 
Which would intrude as often as they could. 

At length he came to where the river led 
Peaceful and deep ; here bending slowly round, 
It seemed to sleep within its sandy bed. 
In sweet repose unbroken by a sound. 

He followed it to where the rapids were, 
And lying down, looked in the plunging stream. 
There sat the trapper, and without a stir 
He looked away, as in a waking dream; 

And just above the water's frothy brim 
Washed by its spray appeared a lovely face 
Fairer than life, for, as it seemed to him. 
The monster. Death, had only added grace. 

The water tossed the wavy, auburn hair ; 
One hand was folded lightly o'er her breast; 
Never, indeed, had she been half so fair, 
It seemed as though she had lain down to rest. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 95 



At length the fatlier rose up from the stone. 
And drew her out upon the narrow sand, 
Then, looking up, saw he was not alone, 
And aimed his rifle with a trembling hand. 

" Be gone, you villain ! ere you get your due. 
Away, away ! and yet await ray curse. 
You smoothly promised her love ever true. 
You told her of your farm and of your purse. 

" You won to humble, humbled to desert. 
I would not spare you but that through your life 
Body and mind may vie to do you hurt. 
And you may be more wretched for the strife. 

*'And may she haunt you even in your sleep. 
Crying for vengeance on your guilty head; 
And may she rouse you from your slumber deep, 
Filling your heart with agony and dread, 

" And may you harvest by your sacred hearth 
What you have sown deceitfully , at mine; 
May jealousy and hate destroy your mirth; 
May adders' faces mock you from the wine. 

" I ask no more ; — if all these be fulfilled, 
Your life will be a doubly scorching hell 
Replete with torment never to be stilled, 
As bad as Satan's most degraded cell." 



96 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

He dropped his gun, and fell upon the sand, 
"My daughter ! O my daughter, are you dead? 
Will you not raise again your lily hand, 
Or sweetly tell some story which you read ?" 

Ned turned away ; more bitter was his heart ; 
The arrow sticking fast, took root and grew. 
H,e felt the myriad rootlets from the dart. 
Piercing his mind and body, through and through. 

He could not cast it out ; it was a load 
Which he must bear through all his weary days. 
Now coming to a rough, untrodden road. 
He follows it, and yet ere long, delays. 

"What shall I do? I cannot stand it here. 
Each tree would whisper of deserted love, 
Each shadow fill my trembling heart with fear, 
Reproaches sound from every cooing dove. 

" The city is the only place for me. 
And thither will I go and there I'll stay. 
'Mid hurry and excitement, I may be 
Free from the thoughts of this unhappy day. 

" No one will know there what has happened here, 
Nor would it matter if they chanced to know. 
'Twould be but spice above a cup of beer ; — 
I have resolved, I'll pack my things and go." 



THE BROKEN VOW. 97 



His parents said he should not leave so soon ; 
And so one night, when they were safe in bed, 
He packed his things, and 'neath the silver moon, 
Pursued the way which to the city led. 

The father sorrowed for his wayward son ; 
He found his home was lonesome, winter nights. 
He sought the inn, and mingled with the fun, 
And soon became one of its brightest lights. 

What followed this, there is no need to tell. 
Save that a year had hardly passed away, 
Ere house and farm he advertised to sell. 
And then went mad upon the auction day. 

Another year rolled on its dreary round. 
Filled up with fancies, sorrows and with fears; 
And now another grave you might have found 
Beside the one where once he knelt with tears. 

And yet there was a little money left 

With which his wife coukl buy herself a home, 

And thouo'h she was of all her friends bereft, 

She hoped that Ned would some time cease to roam. 

But time moved on, and he did not return. 
She often wept, and often prayed for him, 
When early dew adorned the tender fern, 
And fading light played with the shadows dim. 



-98 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



IV. 



VISIONS OF THE NIGHT. 

In the wood tbe winds are sighing, 
For the dying summer crying, 
And the birds are southward flying 
To the far off" sunny land. 

But, although among the many 
Some are hardly worth a penny, 
Not unnoticed falleth any 
Of the merry, merry band. 

For the God of heaven keepeth 
That which flieth, that which creepeth, 
And He holdeth him that weepeth 
In the hollow of His hand. 

There the humble resteth gladly. 
But the proud one rageth madly, 
Till his Maker, slowly, sadly 
Casts him out upon the sand. 

Yet whene'er, his folly spurning, 
To his loving Master turning, 
And with meekness gladly learning, 
He obeyeth God's command, 



THE BROKEN VOW. 99 

All his heart is filled with gladness, 
Banished are his care and sadness, 
And his mind, in place of madness. 
Filled with hopes and motives grand. 

The city clock tolled out the midnight stroke, 
Ned tossed uneasily upon his bed. 
Another hour labored beneath the yoke 
Until its sixty minutes all were dead, 

Each having breathed its sixty seconds out. 
Each second plunging some one in the tide 
Of their eternity. He stared about; 
To him each second seemed to slowly glide 

Through all the winding measure of a year; 
Each moment seemed an age. The crescent shone 
Throuo:h tattered curtains in the windows near. 
And painted pictures meant for him alone. 

The heated air, indeed, prevents his sleep. 
His head grows dizzy with the weight of care. 
Amid the shades prophetic fancies creep. 
He sees the future pictured in the air. 

It comes in varied scenes before his eyes. 
Discovery, the certain work of time; 
The trusting master's look of sad surprise; 
The harsh remarks of clerks about the crime ; 



100 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

The jests of ladies, or the careless look 
Of strangers who might hear the common tale 
Of one who coveted, and shortly took 
Wherewith to win, yet fated was to fail. 

Then follows the arrest; they lead away 
To justice, while within, his sinking heart 
In shame is writhing. Now he dreads delay, 
And then, rebellious, plays a hopeless part. 

And now he seems to see his mother's face. 
Again lit w^ith the peaceful, trusting look 
Which long ago had added grace to grace 
At evening, as she read the sacred book. 

Now as she sits, the Bible on her lap, 
A neighbor enters with unwelcome news. 
She sets a chair, and taking oiF his cap, 
He asks if she has all she needs to use ; 

And she replies, " The Lord is very good. 
I am with all things needful well supplied. 
I can't complain, nor would I if I could. 
The Lord is good. I trust he will provide." 

He takes a paper, and an item reads. 
The short untempered story of the fall. 
"My Ned! my boy, how could you do such deeds? 
Yet God is good. He rules and conquers all." 



THE BROKEN VOW. 101 



The picture is too much for him to bear. 
These fancies wihl of bis disordered brain 
Sting him like nettles, and his load of care 
Is weighing down; he fights it all in vain. 

He springs from bed and draws his clothing on, 
And hat in hand steals down the winding stairs. 
The street is reached, yet he forgets to don 
His hat, he is so cumbered with his cares. 

Where he is going he could hardly say, 
Nor why he steps so gently does he know, 
For none would notice him upon the way ; 
No thought of him would ever sink below 

The shallow surface of the passer's mind. 
A dreaded officer comes down the street. 
Swinging his club, and doubtless like his kind, 
Counting the hours which he must walk his beat, 

And calculating just what part to spend 
With safety in some loathsome drinking den. 
While even now his duty is, to end 
The sale of liquor, and turn out the men. 

Kor does he see, as he is passing by, 
A crouching figure by the dusky wall; 
And Ned goes on with an unheeded sigh. 
While gathered shadows cover like a pall. 



MY LEISURE ROUES. 



The air is cool; it soothes his aching brow. 
His thoughts are clearer. What can that avail 
For one who flees from sin's reward, and how 
Can they return the money spent for ale, 

Or lost at cards, the money not his own, 
But pilfered from that which he held in trust ? 
And for all this he gladly would atone, 
Could he but do it by a dagger's thrust, 

Although his blood pursued the guilty blade. 
His thoughts retrace the reckless path of life 
To when in youth his plans of life were laid; 
And could he now retry the doubtful strife 

He would be victor, so at least he thinks. 
That youthful innocence so sweet and fair. 
Is gone forever, and he sadly sinks 
Beneath the torrent of a deep despair. 

The trapper's curse rests heavy on his head. 
It broods above his mind, and hatches thought. 
A wild desire to be among the dead 
Kushes upon him, and his fancy, caught. 

Urges him on to do the dreadful deed. 
It lyingly portrays a scene of rest. 
As though that spirit of avenging greed 
Would ever take its talons from his breast. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 103 



Standing upon the bridge he looks below ; 
A heavy fog has risen o'er the stream ; 
It hides the water with its quiet flow. 
Ned wnldly gazes, seeming but to dream. 

There is the gate of exit from his care, 
The hiding place from law's avenging arm. 
His shame and sin would all be ended there, 
His mind be free forever from alarm. 

Yet shall he do it? Shall he give up so ? 
Shall he admit he is not fit to live ? 
Shall he proclaim that he has sunk so low 
That neither man nor God could now forgive? 

It is the trial moment for him now, 
Time and eternity are to be weighed. 
Perhaps outweighed; and do you wonder how? 
Against them shame is in the balance laid. 

'Tis light indeed, bat it so clouds the eye, 
He may mistake the reading of the scale ; 
The trutli is often hidden by a lie. 
A barren sandhill hides a lovely dale. 

So death seems sweeter to the maddened brain 
Than life with all its chances for reform. 
The ship is drifting, struggle seems in vain ; 
By sinking her you may escape the storm. 



10 A MY LEISURE HOURS. 



The trapper's curse is ringiDg in his ear. 
"I will escape one-half the double hell," 
He said, " although the other half I fear 
May follow me, and scorch me there as well." 

He climbs the railing, but before his eyes, 
Amid the mists which float about him now, 
He sees a form which fills him with surprise. 
" You see the depths to which a broken vow 

" May sink the man who trifles with a heart. \ 

You feel at length as I did years ago ; 
Yet thrice as bitter is the fatal dart, 
When it rebounds to lay the archer low. 

"But you, a man, should surely be above 
A- mad man's folly and a coward's fate. 
Although a maiden cheated in her love, 
Despairing, died when love was met by hate. 

"If you have sinned, the world will pass it by. 
And you may yet be high in ils esteem. 
For me no fate was lighter than to die, 
For fallen woman has no ahinino- beam. 

" But you should live, and conquer in the fight. 
The world is large, it has a place for you. 
Reject the wrong, and try to do the right, 
Disdain deceit, be wholly just and true." 



THE BROKEN VOW. 105 



The form is gone, and wonder fills his mind. 
Can he retm-n, regain the honored place, 
The manhood which he madly left behind ? 
And would he dare the scornful world to face ? 

Another image rises to his view. 
His sister seems to stand amid the mist. 
" Brother, a promise I have brought for you, 
If you will to my words a moment list. 

" Cast out this crew of wild, rebellious deeds, 
Repair the shi[> now broken by the wave. 
Trust to the Pilot who in safety leads. 
And you may yet the damaged cargo save. 

" Go and confess your crime, you need not fear, 
For others know your weakness by their own; 
Repentance finds forgiveness ever near, 
But do not walk the slippery path alone. 

" Go back to mother, and with her remain. 
She needs a son in her declining years, 
And you may be a joy to her again 
Though you have been to her a cause of tears." 

And as the fancy faded from his thought. 
He turned his mind upon the distant day. 
When she in vain so lovhigly had sought 
To guide him to the straight and narrow way. 



106 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



"I will go back," at length he slowly said. 
"I will confess the thing which I have done. 

Perhaps I may retrace the path I led ; 

The morning waiteth for the setting sun." 

And as he turned, the glimmer of the morn 
Broke on the city and upon his soul, 
Not that he saw it ; he was too forlorn, 
Too much beneath a dark despair's control. 

And yet the angels sang aloud that day 
A song of triumph o'er a vanquished foe, 
And o'er a sinner turning from his way, 
The backward leafage now begins to grow. 

A blighted plant casts off the foul disease. 
And sprouts again spring from the barren limb; 
The reed that bended in the summer breeze 
Begins to straighten slowly, for 'tis slim. 

Within his room he struggles with his fear 
Until the city rouses from its sleep. 
The sounds of labor come from far and near, 
The shadows to their hiding places creep. 

And then he goes and fully tells his guilt. 
He gets forgiveness, though he asks it not. 
His master says, " Cry not for milk that's spilt. 
Begin again, and wipe away the blot. 



THE BROKEN VOW. 107 



A country village, such as most have seen, 
A church, a store, a tavern, only one. 
Each house surrounded by a patch of green, 
Is scorching 'neath the summer's mid-day sun. 

Here is a cottage very neatly kept; 
A climbing vine festoons the little porch ; 
Beneath its leaves a dewdrop might have slept 
Safe from the arrow hurled from heaven's arch. 

The doors and windows both are open wide ; 
The inmate is a lady. There she sits 
Watching the shadows as they quickly glide, 
Thinking and praying ever wliile she knits. 

For now her eyes are dim and passers seem 
To her as shadows, yet she hopes that one 
May sometime come who will not be a dream 
Or moving phantom, but her darling son. 

Her face is sweet with patience's mild impress ; 
Her hair is silvered, tlio.ugh it once was black; 
And time has touched her with a soft caress, 
Nor does her face its former beauty lack. 

The wrinkles may be deeper than they were, 
Yet they but emphasize the look of trust 
"Which says so plainly, all is well with her. 
She would not grumble, had she but a crust. 



108 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



A weary stranger, coming down the road, 
A moment stops before the widow's gate, 
Then opens it, and enters her abode, 
A welcome guest ; no need for him to wait. 

Imagine now the scene — the open door — 
The mother clasps her son returned at last. 
Then, not ungrateful, kneels upon the floor, 
And thanks her God for all His mercies past; 

And Edward joins, the first time in his life. 
In prayers and thanks to Him Who reigns above ; 
In prayers to help him in his earthly strife, 
And thanks for all His mercy and His love. 

As time went on he gained an honored place, 
They made him deacon of the village church. 
Yet lines of care were stamped upon his face 
So plainly that there was no need to search, 

You might detect them even with a glance, 
But why do shadows mar the deacon's peace 
Like minor strains of music at a dance 
Which thrill the captive, yet will not release? 

No ! time and pardon can not take away 
The thoughts of wrong which he, alas, has done, 
Nor make it less a wrong. The winter day 
"Cannot be heated by the summer sun. 



TEE BROKEN VOW. 109 



If eastward moving, day shall chase the night, 
Then pardon may consume the fruit of sin. 
If earth shall give its captives back to sight, 
Then all may be as though it had not been. 

Till time moves backward in its steady course, 
We may not hope that pardon will erase 
The law of nature, whose gigantic force 
We see displayed in every time and place. 

Pardon may cover up the stain of guilt. 
It may new robes of dazzling white unfold; 
It cannot save tlie blood which once is spilt^ 
It cannot mend the robes already old. 



tio MY LEISURE HOURS. 



WHEN FANCY LED. 

The days in sweet enchantment passed, 
The nights in dreamy pleasure fled, 
Forgetful that time cannot last, 
But endeth soon, when fancy led. 

When fancy led, the present seemed 

A sleep from which I soon would wake, 

A night in which I only dreamed 

Of what might be, when morn should break. 

The past seemed half an idle tale 
Not worth the second, sober thought, 
Half prophecies, which never fail, 
With some mysterious meaning fraught. 

The future seemed a fairy life, 
With friends more true and love more deep, 
Than ere were known 'mid earthly strife ; 
It had no shades, no time to weep. 

When fancy led, each blossom seemed 
To speak of some sweet smiling face; 
And flashing eyes from dewdrops gleamed ; 
And beauty decked the world with grace. 



TO A FRIEND. ni 



When fancy led, the brooklets sang 
Of dainty feet which they had laved; 
The wood with gayer music rang; 
'Neath gentler breeze the wheat-field waved. 

When fancy led, eacli hill and dell, 
Decked in its tapestry of green, 
Seemed but the home where fairies dwell, 
Contented in a life serene. 

The clouds displayed a brighter hue, 
The sun gave forth a milder light, 
And heart to heart was ever true. 
And hope was not so dull of sight. 

'Twas sweet to live, 'twas sad to die, 
'Twas paradise for heart and head, 
'Twas joy unmixed with earthly sigh, 
To think and hope, when fancy led. 



TO A FRIEND. 



Friend, I saw the waves of anger 
Rolling fiercely o'er thy soul. 
And I feared that deep within thee, 
Evil wrestled for control. 



112 ^lY LEISURE HOURS. 



I perceived the turbid billows, 
Dashing madly in thy face, 
Shutting out the light of conscience 
And the loving Saviour's grace. 

Yes, I know the fearful conflict 
That can rage within the breast. 
For I've felt its torrents swelling 
Madly in a wild unrest. 

But there came a change within thee, 
Darkness seemed to turn to light, 
And I knew the hidden secret 
Was the humble Saviour's might. 

For the stormy winds and waters 
Will obey his mandate still. 
And the warmth of his forgiveness 
Takes away their icy chill. 

And I felt you were the victor 
In a conflict greater far. 
Than the one who takes a city. 
And is drawn in golden car. 

And I know you would not barter. 
That which you have gained to-day, 
For the prickly fruits of vengeance 
Growing 'mid the shadows gray. 



WHY COMPLAIN. lit 



Others may misjudge the meaning 
Of a meek forgiving mind, 
But the Saviour looketh deeper 
Every secret thought to find. 



WHY COMPLAIN? 

Oh, why are we always complaining 
Of trouble and sorrow and care? 
The world was but meant as a training 
For one that is happy and fair. 

Its gold and its glitter and splendor 
Cannot take away from the heart 
The passions and longings which render 
It lonely and sad from the start. 

But know that the pleasure we covet, 
Might ruin the life of the soul ; 
And think there is something above it, 
Our actions and life to control. 

The longings and promptings of nature 
Seek something more stable than gold. 
The richest may bear on his feature 
Dark shadows of sorrows untold. 



lU MY LEISURE HOURS. 

The feelings of pleasure and pity, 
Which brighten the humble abode, 
Oft die in the hall of the city, 
Where wealth has been freely bestowed. 

For light and the water descending 
From heaven each mortal to bless, 
And health on our comfort attending. 
High praises we ought to address. 

Let's banish this useless complaining. 
Which only makes trouble more deep; 
Some pleasures are always remaining 
To those who are willing to reap. 



A PICTURE OF THE PAST. 

pray, paint a picture to-night, artist. 
Will you paint a picture to-night ? 

1 will tell you what I would have you paint, 

Be sure to do it right. 



There are woods of hemlock and birch, artist. 
With foliage such as you've seen, 

For the summer's sun with a magic hand 
Has decked them all in green. 



A PICTURE OF THE PAST. 115 



But the fairest part of the scene, artist, 

Is a beautiful maiden's form. 
As she wanders beneath the leafy shade 

When summer days are warm. 

She has eyes that sparkle and flash, artist, 

In a way to conquer one's heart. 
And the pretty glow on her rosy cheek 

Is not a work of art. 

She has lips that would tempt a kiss, artist, 
Couk| you see her as I have seen, 

But the lips and the pretty youthful form 
Now rest beneath the green. 

Do you wonder that I am sad, artist, 

As I think of the days gone by, 
And the hopes and fancies of childhood, 

Which dead about me lie. 

I have friends as true as the old time friends, 
Nor has life grown weary so soon, 

But the fairest of all the morning flowers 
Has withered ere 'tis noon. 

There are thoughts too deep to express, artist, 

But if I were a painter true. 
And could wield a brush with an artist's skill, 

I then would paint for you. 



IIG MY LEISURE HOURS. 



DESPAIR. 

Oh this world is dark and weary ! 
There is naught in it to love; 
It is always cold and dreary, 
Has no sunshine from above. 

Stormy winds and tempests roaring, 
Leave no spot of earth at rest. 
Mighty torrents wildly pouring. 
Toss the foam upon their crest. 

Friends, alas, though it may grieve you, 
Will betray in time of need ; 
Do not let their smiles deceive you; 
And their praises, do not heed. 

Like the day-dream ever lying, 
Still receding from our grasp, 
Life is swiftly from us flying 
To go out in death at last. 

Let me flee this world of sorrow, 
And escape its care and woe. 
Darker clouds will rise to-morrow, 
Worse afflictions lay me low. 



HOPE'S ANSWER TO DESPAIR. 117 



HOPE'S ANSWER TO DESPAIR. 

No, this world is gay and cheery, 
Full of all things tit to love. 
Night and quiet for the weary, 
Warmth and sunshine from above. 

Mild and soft the breezes stirring, 
In the summer or the spring; 
And wild torrents wildly whirring, 
Make a thousand spindles sing. 

Friends! Yes, if yoa are but friendly; 
If you love, you will have love ; 
If no other treats you kindly. 
There is One who will, above. 

Life is like the fragrant flower 
Filled with sweetness all its days; 
Open to the sun or shower. 
And with brightness all ablaze. 

Let me gain life's rarest treasure, 
And enjoy it as I go, 
Fill this day with sweetest pleasure, 
Make a friend of every foe. 



118 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



THE SUNLIGHT. 

The sunlight comes down 
From its throne in the sky, 
To bring earth a crown, 
Which it snatched from on high. 

The crown is of gold, 
Set with jewels so bright, 
That beauties untold 
Often flash on our sight. 

Each bud is a gem 
In this crown of the earth. 
Each leaf on its stem 
Adds its portion of worth. 

The sunlight descends 
Like a God from above, 
And on us attends 
With infinite love. 

It paints on the sky 
All the pictures so bright, 
Which gladden the eye 
At morn or at night. 



SYMPATHY. 119 



It gives us new life, 
When our sad faces turn 
From earth's weary strife 
To the brook or the fern. 

It gives us new strength, 
When we wake with the clay; 
And fills us at length 
With hope's life-giving ray. 



SYMPATHY. 



What can reach the heart of mortals, 
Like the accents of a friend 
When the tender thoughts w^ithin him 
With his fond expressions blend ? 

What can calm the troubled spirit, 
Like the sympathizing tear, 
Telling that your bitter sorrow 
To another heart is near? 

How the ills of life grow little 
'Neath the sunshine and the rain 
Of his true and friendly feeling, 
Shown in times of grief or pain. 



120 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



WHAT IS EXISTENCE? 

To what shall I liken existence, 

A shadow that flits o'er the lea, 
Or water, that lacking resistance. 

Flows onward to plunge in the sea ? 

I'll call it a day with its morning 
Ablaze with that coloring^ bright. 

Which youth, never heeding a warning, 
Beholds with exquisite delight; 

Its noon, that may shine with a splendor 

As bright as the soltitial sun, 
.Or hide -mid the shadows that render 

It gloomy before it is done ; 

Its evening, when sunshine and shower 
Combining may stretch through the sky 

That symbol, a God-given dower 
To those who are looking on high ; 

Its night, when the body shall slumber 
Where hyacinths bloom in the dale, 

And the spirit abide with the number 

Of those who have passed through the vale. 



TIME'S STREAM. ^21 



TIME'S STREAM. 

We are drifting, swiftly drifting 
Down the current of time's stream, 

All the scenes around us shifting, 
Like w^ild fancies in a dream. 

Friends once cherished, long have left us, 
We shall never see theni more. 

Time, alas, too soon, bereft us ; 
We have left them on the shore. 

Seated there beneath the cherry. 

In the evening air so mild, 
To my mind their faces hurry, 

As I saw them when a child. 

All along the shore they're resting 
'Neath the willow or the sod, 

Sin no more their hearts molesting, 
Wearies of the path they trod. 

Day by day new faces meeting. 
Forming friendships but to break; 

Hour by hour my pulse's beating 
Tells me that we near the lake. 



3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



Thus the scenes about us ever 
Change like some fantastic clream, 

For we're floating down the river, 
On time's rough and restless stream. 



TRUE PLEASURE. 

Every thing which gives us pleasure, 
All we count our richest treasure, 
Health and beauty, peace and joy, 
Comes to none without alloy. 

For the same sun showers splendor 
On the prince and on the vender, 
And the same clouds cast their shadows 
On the mountains and the meadows. 

Here's the secret of enjoyment. 
Always be in good employment; 
Always say without repining, 
"Each cloud has a silver lining." 

Vain, indeed, is worldly pleasure^ 
If we gain no heavenly treasure. 
He who trusts this world for joy 
Finds in trouble no alloy. 



THE SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE, n^ 



THE SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE. 

A thousand questions urge the soul 
To seek a draught from wisdom's bowl; 
And where to find that sacred cup 
Is the first question turning up. 

Some seek it in the starry sky, 

And night and day turn thoughts on high. 

Some, delving in the earth below, 

Its closest secrets try to show. 

Some, in the wood, or on the plain. 
In earnest seek, and not in vain. 
Some, 'mid the icy northern seas. 
Drink from the bowl by slow degrees. 

Some, 'neath the sun's most scorching ray. 
Find living wells beside the way; 
But cooler, sweeter is their flow 
Where spring and autumn lend a glow. 

In short, where'er a man may be. 
Some hints of wisdom he can see ; 
But each taste from the sparkling cup 
Makes him desire a deeper sup. 



12 Jt MY LEISURE HOURS. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 

" Yes, if you wish it." Well I do, 
And why I wish, I'll tell you too. 
In passing through the world, you know, 
We meet with pleasure and with woe. 

But pleasure loses half its taste. 
Enjoyed alone, and goes to waste. 
And sorrow's load is hard to bear 
Without a friend its weight to share; 

And when once put in black and white, 
Our pleasures shine with greater light; 
But sorrows seem to shrink away. 
As shadows flee before the day. 

The constant interchange of thought 
Is like a chain, which, tirmly wrought, 
Binds friend to friend, and safe and fast. 
Holds them together to the last. 

But let this chain once break apart, 
Heart separates itself from heart. 
And those once joined by such a tie. 
As strangers live, as strangers die. 



IN THE FOREST. 125- 



IN THE FOREST. 

'Tis the fair, prophetic spring-time, 
And I sit beneath a tree; 
And I watch a little brooklet 
Flow along w^ith bounding glee; 

And I wonder at the brightness 
Of the flowers growing near, 
And the merry, merry music 
Which I love so well to hear. 

Truly, all the world seems fitted 
For a gay and happy life; 
Yet how many sadly find it 
But a place of care and strife. 

There is beauty all around us ; 

Yet how many never see 

How the Lord hath clothed the meadow. 

And adorned the forest tree. 

Oft the air is gay with music ; 
Yet how seldom does the heart 
Feel that sweet, enchanting gladness, 
Thrilling to its inmost part. 



m MY LEISURE HOURS. 



Here, beneath the arching branches, 
Is a bad of beauty rare ; 
Yet liow man}^ on beholding, 
Would but heave a sigh of care. 

Yes, we seem to see within it 
Something which we might have been, 
But for human faults and failings, ' 
Nay, I should say, human sin. 

Life seems strangely out of keeping 
With the great Creator's plan; 
With the music and the beauty 
Which He has prepared for man. 

So that, what should give us pleasure, 
Only makes us feel more sad. 
And the fairest of surroundings 
Cannot make our spirits glad. 

Yet we know that God has promised 
To restore our lost estate. 
If we will but trust His mercy, 
And upon His service wait. 

And we know that in the future. 
Beauty will not hint of sin, 
Music have no strain of sadness. 
Love bring naught but peace within. 



SLEEP. 127 



SLEEP. 

Husl], the baby is asleep. 
O'er its life so j^ure and tender, 
And its frame so young and slender, 

May the shadows never creep. 
May he ne'er forget to render 
Proper service to the sender 

Of his slumber, calm and deep. 

Look, the sunbeam is at play 
With the face upon the pillow, 
With the ringlets on the pillow. 

Sleep of childhood brings a day 
Free from care as is the swallow"; 
Would that sin might never lay low, 

Youth and beauty ever stay. 

When to manhood quickly grown, 
While the shadows dim are creeping 
O'er the children gently sleeping, 

Rest to him is all unknown. 
Often, wiiile the stars are keeping 
Watch upon this land of weeping, 

He is weary, sad and lone. 



128 2IY LEISURE HOURS. 



When the locks have changed to white, 
And is lost the piercing vision, 
Truly slumber, in derision. 

Comes to him but brief and light. 
All the functions lack precision. 
Even thoughts get in collision, 

And he longs for morning light. 

As the shadows chase the day, 
Checked wilh clouds or ever sunny. 
Filled with actions harsh or funny, 

Dull with care, or ever gay. 
So without regard for money, 
Robbing life's last drop of honey. 

Slumber ends the earthly way. 



WHERE FANCY LED. 

As I crossed a swollen river. 
Looking in the turbid stream. 

Thoughts came to my wand'ring fancy. 
Yet they were no idle dream. 

As 1 watched the struggling water, 

Every silver-crested wave, 
To my weary, restless spirit. 

Sympathetic feeling gave ; 



WHERE FANCY LED. 



For there seemed a striking likeness, 
In the torrent's wild unrest, 

To the fierce tumultuous conflict 
That was raging in my breast. 

No one saw the rugged boulders 
Over which the water tossed; 

No one knew the rocky barrier, 
Which my spirit's freedom crossed. 

As the water in its madness 
Broke upon the jagged rock. 

So my spirit in its struggle, 
111 sustained the fearful shock. 

Yet alike, they were not conquered ; 

But went dashing on their way, 
Seeming gay amid their torture, 

Hoping for a better day. 

Lifting up their troubled voices 
To the One who rules supreme. 

That a safe, untroubled channel 

May be found for mind and stream. 

Thus did Fancy lead me onward 
To a future bright with hopes, 

Where my spirit yet may issue 

From the clouds 'mid which it gropes* 



130 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



WE ARE HURRYING ON. 

Hurrying on, we know not where, 
Hurrying on, we scarcely care; 
Hurrying on to a distant day; 
Hurrying on to the far away; 

On to a life whose years, perhaps, 
Filled with sadness, may slowly lapse; 
On to a time when we may sigh 
Vainly again for years gone by; 

Hurrying on through present time, 
Childhood and youth and manhood's prime,, 
Wishing the bark would swiftly glide 
Over the silvery, laughing tide; 

Hurrying on, perhaps, to sin, 
Passion and crime, which death begin; 
Out of the light of the happy now. 
Into the dark of a future slough; 

Hurrying on from present friends, 
Caring not for the deed that rends 
Loving hearts from the hopes of youth, 
Putting a lie in the place of truth ; 



HE A YEN. 131 



Hurrying on, as we ever hope, 
Out of the darkness in which we grope, 
Into the light of a brighter day, 
Breaking at last through the shadows gray 

Hurrying on to friendships new. 
Binding our hearts to others true; 
Hurrying on to the joys of life; 
Hurrying off from the field of strife; 



Hurrying on, we know not where. 
Yet, as we hope, to a mansion fair; 
Over the river, the bound of time, 
Into a home in a fairer clime; 

Hurrying on, we know full well, 
Into the bounds of a narrow cell. 
Into the distant spirit land; 
Into the unknown vast and grand. 



HEAVEN. 



The poet's dream of Heaven, 
I try to ])icture now. 
One sat beside the table, 
A cloud was on his brow. 



MY LEISURE HOURS. 



Then gently, 'mid his musings, 
A thought of Heaven stole; 
The clouds were quickly banished, 
And joy entranced his soul. 

He looked into the future, 
And saw the Heav'n of rest, 
The home of sin-sick mortals, 
The mansions for the blest. 

He heard the strains of music 
Fall softly on the air. 
As angels chanted praises 
Amid those mansions fair. 

But all his joy seemed fullest, 
When to him came the view 
Of his own loving Saviour, 
The Friend to him most true. 

'Tis ever so in musing, 
The vision gains new grace, 
When Heaven means communion 
With Jesus, face to face. 



LOVE. 133 



LOVE. 

Why this tumult in the bosom? 
Why the spirit's waking dream, 
Which would fain lead out of darkness 
To a future's brighter gleam ? 

Love, it is, which tunes the heart-strings 
To a harmony divine, 
Making earth's most prosy landscape 
Poetry in every line. 

But w^hen love plays on the heart-strings, 
And no kindred notes reply. 
All the music turns to sadness. 
And the song becomes a cry. 

Love, the sweetest, fairest flower 
In the garden of the soul, 
When once i)lanted, lives forever. 
Growing as the ages roll. 

Think not, it may be transplanted, 
For its fibers firmly bind ; 
If you snatch it from the bosom, 
You will leave no heart behind. 



13I^ MY LEISURE HOURS. 

Sweet its fruit when rightly nourished 
Till the harvest-time arrives; 
But most bitter when neglected, 
Though the stunted plant survives. 

Trifle not with this fair blossom, 
Which a God of love has giv'n, 
Lest, in future retribution, 
Thy sad heart with grief be riv'n. 

Care for that which God hath planted. 
And thy life shall happy be, 
For in love, all times and chances 
In one harmony agree. 



A QUESTION. 



In the west, the sun is setting. 
And the air is soft and still ; 
But within, my heart is fretting, 
Like a noisy little rill. 

In the trees, the birds are singing"; 
What a merry, merry band. 
In my ears, a voice is ringing 
From a loved but distant land. 



A QUESTION. 13S 



Softly now, tbe words are falling, 
"Going into all the world, 
Sinners to repentance calling, 
Let my banner be unfurled." 

Life is short, and time is fleeting 
See the moments, how they fly; 
Soon my heart will cease its beatings 
Soon this feeble body die. 

Shall I do as he is saying ? 
Shall I give my little all? 
Not to please myself delaying, 
Shall 1 heed the loving call ? 

O my Saviour, make me willing 
To obey thy parting word, 
All my life thy Spirit filling, 
May thy voice be ever heard. 

Sweeter pleasures come from giving 
Than for keeping for my own; 
Life were scarcely worth the living, 
If I lived for self alone. 

Still my life is onward flowing. 
While I think, it moves apace. 
Saviour grant I may be growing 
Richer in thy love and grace. 



136 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 



THE FIELD. 

They tell me, that over the ocean, 
There are lands far, far away ; 
And it fills my heart witli emotion, 
As I list to what they say. 

They tell of the beauty which nature 
Has scattered with lavish hand ; 
And it seems as thousfh every creature 
Would be happy in that land. 

But great is the cause of their sighing ; 
Three-fourths of the human race. 
In bondage to Satan are lying. 
Knowing not of God's free grace. 

Just think what a fearful condition; 
No Saviour to pardon sin; 
No matter how great their contrition. 
No comfort or peace within. 

One-third of the sisters and brothers, 
Who open their eyes to the light. 
See the faces of Chinese mothers. 
And die, as they live, in the night. 



31 Y VOW. 137 



Shall we, when they ask for salvation, 
Give only oar mites for the cause, 
And save for ourselves or our nation, 
The dollars that win us applause ? 

A few hundred men, to these millions, 
We send with the word of life. 
Yet ere all have heard from them, billions 
Will fall 'neath Time's busy knife. 

If we are so selfish and greedy, 
Will not God bring to account, 
And grant to us, who are so needy, 
Of blessings, a small amount ? 



MY VOW. 



Jesus my guide, I trust Thy hand, 
To lead me through tlie shady way. 
Into the fair and sunny land, 
Into the briglit, eternal day. 

I wrestled hard with self and sin; 
I sought to break the tempter's power; 
Tempests of past^ion raged within, 
And smote mv soul from hour to hour. 



138 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

I turned and gave myself to Thee ; 
I promised to obey Thy will ; 
I asked that Thoii wouldst rescue me 
From every dark, foreboding ill. 

I felt the peace which Thou dost give, 
A soothing balm to wounded heart; 
I promised Thee henceforth to live 
Holy to Thee in every part. 

But soon the tempter came again 
To vex the soul which he had lost, 
And proud, I struggled on, in vain, 
To breast the waves which madly tossed; 

Then sinking, cried to Thee for aid; 
Thy hand did still the foaming wave. 
And safely in Thy bosom laid 
The wand'rer rescued from the grave. 

Again I tried to walk alone, 

For I seemed strong when close to Thee ; 

Yet soon again was forced to own. 

No power but Thine could keep me free. 

It seemed, sometimes, as though within 
A very demon held control, 
And through the hateful power of sin 
Kept out Thy presence from my soul. 



MY VOW. 139' 



So through the years went on the storm, 
Christ saving from each crested wave 
That, bearing down my trembling form, 
Threatened to plunge me in the grave. 

How dark and deep these currents flow, 
No one but God could ever tell, 
And none could e'er the reason know 
That shadows often on me dwell. 

Point after point as life advanced 
Was gained through Thy sufficient aid; 
Yet ever, some new bubble danced 
To lure the boul o'er sunny glade. 

I promised Thee, to give up all 
The pleasures oi a worldly life. 
And go where'er Thy voice might call 
To carry on Thy holy strife. 

I promised all, yet asked of Thee, 
That one sweet pleasure might remain ; 
But Thou didst seem to say to me, 
" Give all, or else the giit is vain." 

I thought there was no need to give 
This one best pleasure which 1 craved ; 
It would be easier to live 
A holy life, il this were saved. 



UO MY LEISURE HOURS. 



I knelt, and begged before Thy throne, 
That Thou wouldst grant this one request, 
And. yet, I seemed to be alone; 
I did not feel the sacred rest ; 

The rest, which ought to follow prayer. 
The rest from leaning on Thy arm 
With confidence that in Thy care 
The soul is safe from all alarm. 

For when I said, "Thy will be done," 
My heart with mute rebellion swelled. 
Lest Thou shouldst will for me the one 
Thing which I thought most sorrow held. 

But Thou hast taught my stubborn heart 
To give its dearest treasure up, 
And in life's battle take its part, 
And bear tor time a bitter cup. 

And Thou hast taught my will to say, 
'My gracious Lord, I yield to Thee, 
No more, my course shall pleasure stay, 
I do Thy will whate'er it be." 

And I can trust Thee to provide 
The richest blessings for my soul. 
And in Thy loving bosom hide 
Me safe from every sin's control. 



TURNING FROM SELF TO JESUS. Ul 



Yes, I can bear this bitter cup, 
Can look upon it calmly now, 
And if Thou will that I should sup, 
Can drink, and keep my solemn vow; 

For I have vowed that I would place 
Each fondest treasure in Thy hand. 
And take whatever, through Thy grace, 
Is given by supreme command. 

Now precious Saviour, dearest Friend, 
Help me to keep this solemn vow, 
And even to my journey's end. 
Sigh not for what I give up now. 

And shouldst Thou even yet return 
Those joys which I so much desire, 
My love for Thee will no less burn. 
But blaze up yet, a holier fire. 



TURNING FROM SELF TO JESUS. 

Sadly, ah sadly, I thought of my soul, 
Fearing its ruin beyond all control, 
Feeling, whatever my purpose might be, 
Nothing within me could ever save me. 



U2 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



Gently a whisper stole into my ear, 
Telling that Jesus was ready and near, 
Seeking to save rae from sins dark and deep, 
Longing forever my spirit to keep. 

Then I looked r»p from the darkness within, 
Up from that picture of sorrow and sin, 
Into a face that was lovely and fair. 
Holy and peaceful beyond all compare. 

Jesus, my Saviour, my Saviour, I cried, 
Take from my being this fol'y and pride. 
All that within me is wicked and low. 
Then for this rubbish. Thy treasure bestow. 

" Go, give thy life to my service," He said, 
" Walk in the footsteps where first I have led ; 
Tell all the world how its Saviour was slain 
That full salvation it might thus obtain." 

Then I looked down on my weakness and said, 
*' I am not fit for the path which He led. 
Sinners would laugh at me, Christians would scorn, 
Thus, in His vineyard, I'd prove but a thorn." 

Then to my mind came the promise again, 
"Grace is sufficient;" my duty was plain, 
Christ is my refuge, my strength and my share ; 
I will obey Him, and trust to His care. 



A PRAYER. m 



A PRAYER. 

Saviour, list to my humble call, 
Now lam looking to Thee; 
Grant me pardon from sin's deep fall, 
While I am praying to Thee; 
Teach me how to trust Thee; 
Teach me how to love Thee; 
Rescue my soul, rescue my soul. 
While I am calling on Thee. 

Saviour help me to hear Thy word. 

While Thou art calling to me ; 

Swift to Thy arms like a frightened bird, 

Grant that my soul may flee ; 

O how Thou hast loved me. 

Given all to save me ; 

Teach me Thy word, teach me Thy word; 

Jesus, teach even me. 

Saviour look to my every need, 

Now I am trusting to Thee ; 

Help to keep me from sin's dark deed, 

For I am clinging to Thee; 

May I ever love Thee ; 

May I ever praise Thee, 

For all I read, for all I read, 

Jesus, my Saviour, of Thee. 



lU MY LEISURE HOURS. 



SHELTER. 

Would you find a place for resting 
Where the storm cannot annoy ? 
Look to Jesus, ever trusting ; 
He will fill your heart with joy. 
Turn to Jesus, turn to Jesus, 
He alone it is who frees us. 
Trust in Jesus, trust in Jesus, 
He will fill your heart with joy. 

When the world seems bright around you,, 
And its joys enchanting are, 
With His arm he will surround you, 
For He dwelleth not afar. 
He who loves you still is keeping- 
Watch, although you may be sleeping. 
He His watch is ever keeping, 
For He dwelleth not afar. 

When the clouds more darkly hover 
Li the sky above your head, 
He with love will gently cover, 
And will shield you from all dread. 
He is able. He is willing. 
As He showed, His own blood spilling ; 
Proof, indeed, that He is willing. 
He will shield you from all dread. 



C0M3IUNI0N. 145 



COMMUNION. 

Pour the wine, and break the bread, 
Christ was numbered with the dead ; 
He, who, from a throne on high, 
Came to stop the mourner's cry. 

Horror shook the very place, 
While the sun did veil its face. 
For its Maker stooped to die, 
And within the grave to lie. 

Lo ! they placed him in the grave, 
He, who came a- race to save. 
Death had bound him with a chain, 
But his shackles were in vain. 

Christ has risen from the dead ; 
Let the joyous words be said. 
He has risen to the sky, 
There to hear the sinner's cry. 

Christ is king of heaven and earth ; 
Let us praise our Saviour's worth; 
Let us eat His feast to-day ; 
Let us follow in His way. 



U6 31 Y LEISURE HOURS. 



TRUST. 

Life was lonely, life was sad ; 
Jesus came to make it glad; 
Jesus fills this heart of mine 
With a peace and light divine. 

Now, I trust His constant care, 
Life is lovely, life is fair; 
Every moment is a chance, 
Toward my Maker to advance. 

Though amid the shadows gray, 
Through the valley, be my way, 
Brighter yet will be the light 
When the mists are out of sight. 

I can trust His guiding hand 
Even through the desert land. 
For I know the one who leads 
Will supply my inmost needs. 

Once He was the Son of Man ; 
Once He walked in labor's van ; 
Once the tempter He defied, 
And his promptings dashed aside. 



THE ONLY WAY, U7 



Once He trod the rocky path 
'Neath the load of sin and wrath. 
Once He died upon the tree 
Bearing pain and grief lor me. 

Now He is the risen God, 
Whom the spotless angels laud. 
Now He is our Advocate, 
Saving from the sinner's fate. 

Now He sits upon the throne ; 
Now He loves and keeps His own; 
Now He is my Brother, Friend, 
Every want He will attend. 



THE ONLY WAY 

Sinner, Thy Saviour says, " Come unto me." 
No other aid than his, can rescue thee. 

Turn now away from sin, 

And let His light shine in. 
He calleth unto thee, " Come unto Me." 

Listen unto His call while He is near; 

Else you may some time call in deepest fear. 

Turn unto Jesus now. 

And to Him make thy vow ; 
Jesus thy cry will hear. Be thou sincere. 



IjfS MY LEISURE HOURS. 

Think not He'd turn His ear from thee away. 
O no ! in doubt and fear do not delay. 

Jesus Himself is love, 

All other love above, 
Hear Him now gently say, "I am the way." 

Trust not upon thyself, else thou wilt fall. 

One name alcne must be surety for all; 
If thou wouldst heaven see, 
In Christ thy faith must be, 

He can atone for all, who on him call. 



SERVICE. 



No man ever lives, but has sometimes a longing 
For something beyond what he finds in his life. 
The soul that is in him is weary and fainting. 
Yet cannot escape from its ne'er ending strife. 

Companions may flatter from morning till evening, 
And tell him that no one is better than he ; 
Yet softly within him there cometh the whisper, 
That something more holy and perfect must be. 

'Mid pleasures, in vain, he may seek for enjoyment, 
From all that the gay world can give for his share ; 
To fill that deep longing, he finds there is nothing. 
And riches but load him with trouble and care. 



THE VALLEY. W 



In vain be may wander o'er forest and meadow, 
Alone in the search of that treasure most rare, 
May list to the whisper of brooklet or fountain, 
But yet to his sorrow, he finds it not there. 

In vain he may kneel while in selfish endeavor, 
And call on a Saviour of mercy and love. 
In vain he may trust in a fleeting emotion. 
And think he is destined for heaven above. 

But let him by chance give the cup of cold water 
To one who with patience or sorrow hath wrought, 
The road that was long comes at once to be shorter; 
He findeth in service the treasure he sought. 



THE VALLEY. 



'Tis good sometimes, to leave our busy care. 
And while the sun is sloping toward the west, 
Breathe nature's beauty and the bahny air; 
Thus mind and body find a needed rest. 

For such repose one needs a quiet place, 
Removed from busy thoroughfares of life, 
Where he can gaze in nature's very face, 
And solve the mysteries with which 'tis rife. 



150 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

To such a place I wish to lead you now, 
A churchyard, with its well-kept hedge and trees, 
Where marble lips oft tell of marriage vow, 
Of birth and death ; scant histories are these. 

Here with a friend I once stood looking down 
Upon the quiet valley far below, 
Marking the village and the distant town 
And creek by which the yellow willows grow. 

Off to the right the narrow valley bends, 
And graceful hills shnt out the distant view, 
And slowly hence, Oriskany descends, 
Winding its way, a thread of silver blue. 

But to the left the stream bends out of sight, 
And in the distance hills slope to the sky. 
Nature is decked with autumn's colors bright. 
Beauty and peace seem lent to charm the eye. 

We looked, and as we looked he slowly said, 
" Suppose the thought of every person there 
Should take some form in which it could be read. 
Would all the landscape be so passing fair?" 

I thought, and as I thought I seemed to see 
A cloud of mist rise gently from below, 
And in it thoughts were acted full and free. 
Alike the good and bad, the high and low. 



TEE VALLEY. 151 



O picture fair ! A mother's love for son. 
She holds a basket filled with goodly store, 
Gives all her treasures to him one by one, 
And fondly wishes they were tenfold more. 

A dying Christian calmly looks above; 

The waiting angels hover round the bed ; 

Their music calls in tender strains of love ; 

Her hands outstretch and friends weep o'er the dead. 

Love, rising, takes its true symbolic form. 
A dove flies swiftly to its distant mate; 
Faithful they live in sunshine or in storm; 
In their true breasts no jealousy or hate. 

A miser trembles o'er his dusty hoard. 

He hears no cry from starving orphan's tongue. 

He starts in horror at a creaking board, 

Yet cares not for the tears from widows wrung. 

The monster, Passion, comes upon the stage, 
A gaunt and hungry lion, though o'er-fed. 
He lurks for prey, and tears himself in rage; 
His ravage fills the modest heart with dread. 

His sister, Appetite, goes on before, 
And rouses him to follies base and bold ; 
Nor care they how they gain some hidden store. 
Or lure a lamb away from safety's fold. 



152 MY LEISURE HOURS. 

Hate rises with a dagger in his hand. 
Blood stains his garment and the shining blade. 
Where is thy brother? Buried in the sand. 
A bleeding friend is stretched on yonder glade. 

I would, but cannot, picture all these scenes; 
Yet fancy will portray them all for you, 
With wealth of imagery, beyond my means, 
As slowly they pass on before your view. 

Imagine, then, the wonder of a child, 
The hopes of youth, the castle built in air, 
The groans of pain, the peace of patience mild, 
The thoughts of suicide, its wild despair. 

Imagine, too, the thoughts of working men, 
And all their hopes and fears and wants as well; 
Then view the thoughts from some low drinking-den, 
For here are many of these gates to hell. 

See rising, prayers and songs of praise to God, 
And hear the story of the cross retold. 
Then tell me quickl}^, ere you cease to laud, 
Can you the wonder, of these scenes unfold. 

I only hoped to guide your willing thought 
In paths of beauty and through pastures green, 
And here I leave you, 'mid the fields I sought, 
To feast upon the beauties of the scene. 



A LITTLE GRAVE. 153 



A LITTLE GRAVE. 

Here, in a corner, by a rustic seat, 
Where gentle breezes, whispering, repeat 
The tender sorrow they alone have seen, 
A little mound is covered o'er with green. 

Here is the place where mourning parents stood, 
Bearing the bitter grief as best they could ; 
Here tears have fallen, and here prayers arose ; 
Here poetry turned into solemn prose. 

This faded wreath is like their withered hope; 
And dark the lonely way in which they grope; 
Yet one they loved is safe from earthly care, 
At rest within our Father's mansion fair. 

The sorrows it had known, had it remained. 
The sins which might its future life have stained, 
Are all unknown within that distant land 
Where music rises from the angel band. 

Perhaps a mother misses baby's face ; 
Perhaps she weeps to see the vacant place; 
Perhaps she longs to kiss the dimpled chin. 
And thinks with tear-stained cheeks, what might have 
been. 



15I^ MY LEISURE HOURS. 



Perhaps she thinks again of sparkling eyes 
Which viewed the world with innocent surprise; 
Perhaps her heart still flutters at the thought 
Of one so dear and love so firmly wrought. 

Perhaps she trusts the Master with his own, 
Nor sadly walks the shady patli alone, 
But trusts an unseen hand to hold her up, 
And take the bitter out of sorrow's cup. 

O pretty sunbeam, on a winter's day, 
Lighting a moment some one on the way. 
Why have you fled ? The world is very fair- 
Were you too pure to breathe its heavy air? 

O deeper are the shadows after light, 
Yet time will help us to regain our sight. 
And bitter sorrow rankles less within 
When it is left unmixed with earthly sin. 

O flower that bloomed a season but to die, 
Yet thou shalt bloom again beyond the sky, 
Ko more to fade, to wither and decay; 
No more from friends shalt thou be torn away. 



'88. 155^ 



'88. 
Wbitten for Campus Day, Hamilton College, 1888. 

Amid the joy and life and prophecies of spring, 
When leaf and bud and bloom foretell the harvest time, 
When gentle, soothing bret'zes sweet enchantment bring, 
E'en to the dwellers in this wald and rugged clime. 
Our nation stops a clay 
To bring the flowers of May, 
And honor those 
Who bravely chose, 
To give themselves, that they might save 
Fair Freedom from an early grave. 

But while the fairest flowers of Freedom's fairest land 
We love to bring, and with them crowai the grass-grown 

mound, 
We meet to-day to celebrate a strife less grand,— 
Four years of constant conflict on this sacred ground. 
And fittingly we meet. 
Each other here to greet, 
And may each life, 
What'er its strife. 
Fulfill the prophecies of youth 
In noble contest for the truth. 



156 MY LEISURE HOURS. 



We meet to-day, a merry band, 
Here where we met four years ago, 
And, strangers, joined hand in hand 
In conflict with our common foe. 

We meet to live again in thought 

The scenes, which, 'neath these arching trees, 

Within our memories were wrought ; 

So let me mention some of these. 

The first is mixed, I must confess. 
A crowd of " Sophs," a cedar tree, 
A rope, and, as you all may guess, 
A pail of w^ater thrown at me. 

A wrestling match upon the glade, 
Where Captain Mitchell tried his hand. 
And on his back a bold "Soph" laid, 
To the regret of "Sophy's" band. 

Our ranks soon thinned, for each one found 
A smilino^ Junior watching^ near, 

O 7 

To lead away from sight and sound 
Which filled the trembling heart with fear. 

The next time that we tried our strength, 
Was at the ball game, where we found 
That Freshmen must give up at length, 
Or drive their rivals from the orround. 



'55. -^^7' 



We lost the game, for as is known, 
The Freshmen always lose that game ; 
For while they have to stand alone, 
The " Soph's " need not do quite the same. 

The first few days upon the hill 
The sun shone dowm with sultry heat; 
And, as you may remember still. 
We often bathed to keep us neat. 

Water w^as plenty for a time, 
And each man had his proper share. 
No haughty "Soph" with look sublime 
Failed to be treated fair and square. 

But would you know the finest way 
To take a bath when days are hot. 
Ask Davis, and perchance he'll say, 
" Hey Fresh," then stop, he's not forgot. 

The first three weeks our work was hard ; 
No time to walk or look about ; 
Besides, unless we had a guard, 
'Twas not quite safe to be caught out. 

It goes for saying, we were brave, 
But we w^ere also quite discreet ; 
And that we might all trouble save 
We kept within a safe retreat. 



158 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 

Although the " Sophs " went out in bands, 
And watched for us by night and day,' 
Not one of us fell in their hands 
In any fair or lawful way. 

Yet, fair or foul, no matter how, 
To make them sport they must have one. 
Just think upon their baseness now, 
And always such vile actions shun. 

A "Fresh" and "Soph," of friends the best, 
Together roomed, as oft they do; 
And, as perchance you now have guessed, 
A plan was formed to dupe the two. 

The " Soph " was soon invited out. 
And then his trembling chum was seized 
And borne away with wildest shout. 
To do whatever " Sophies " pleased. 

I did not go to see their fun ; 
It seemed more wise to stay away ; 
But not to say just what was done, 
A table-dance helped make them gay. 

But days and months, yes, years passed by. 
And we enjoyed them as they passed, 
Nor would we now be heard to sigh, 
Because they cannot longer last. 



'88. 159 



We've fought our battle long and well, 
We've had our fun, and done our work. 
And, though there is not much to tell, 
No one of us has been a shirk. 

We came here more than fifty strong — 
In name at least — yet, sad to say. 
But twenty-eight will sing the song 
Of '88, Commencement Day. 

Four times with sorrow have we heard 
The sad news of a comrade's death. 
Four times we've passed around the word, 
With gentle tone and softened breath. 

Yet, from the number that remain, 
I briefly mention now a few. 
For as we may not meet again, 
'Tis well to praise the good and true. 

There's David from the Lyons den. 
Sweet singer of our Freshman lay, 
" Whereas,^'' he sang so sweetly then. 
The Doctor had a word to say. 

And then, our lioyal, leader, " Bill," 
Who through these years has led us well, 
The highest place would nobly fill. 
No better name we seek to tell. 



160 3IY LEISURE HOURS. 

There's Cole, t\ni father of the class; 
His little Florence soon will be, 
If so 'tis willed, a blooming lass; 
From sorrow may her life be free. 



But what's the use to tell them o'er ? 
The highest praise would be too tame, 
Yet if you still would ask for i!/ore, 
We have a deacon by that name. 

Our 'story's told. Our morn has passed. 
The shades of eve must come at last; 
Yet, may our motto still be true, 
The body dies, not so with you. 

Our thoughts, our plans, our deeds must live 
While circling years new lives shall give, 
And when we no more give our "?/e//," 
Our praises some one else may tell. 

But when our name shall be forgot, 
Our thoughts and deeds remembered not, 
'Twill still be true, though all forget. 
That '88 is " not dead yet." 



X 



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